Kael's boots clicked against the cobblestones. The cottages glowed in the soft amber light of late afternoon, almost unreal in their calm.
A faint, pulsing map hovered at the edge of his vision, tracing a clear path.
Children darted past, laughter ringing bright and careless. Sparks flew from a blacksmith's hammer. A baker called out, offering fresh loaves. Everything seemed… too peaceful.
Too perfect.
His fingers brushed the hilt of the rusty sword at his side.
"Feels like a postcard," he muttered. "Doesn't feel real. Is this really a game?"
A shimmer formed beside him, drifting like smoke.
"Reality is always a matter of perspective," the Entity said, voice calm and flowing. "You feel the rhythm of life now, Kael, but the world bites in its own time. Watch closely. Step lightly."
Kael tilted his head. "If you're not my System Guide… then who are you? You know too much to be a random… ghost player."
The Entity's form rippled like liquid. "I am not a guide. Not yet. I move alongside you. I speak, sometimes nudge, but I do not lead. To know me fully, you must grow first. Strength reveals truth."
Kael frowned. "So… you're like a shadow, here but not here?"
"Exactly. I am a shadow that observes, waits. I do not fight for you. I only remind you to see, to anticipate, to survive. Timing is everything."
Kael exhaled slowly. "Right… help without helping. Got it."
"Small steps are often more dangerous than they appear," the Entity said. "Even gathering herbs will teach you. Even small choices ripple outward. The world notices, Kael. Always."
********
The largest cottage stood ahead, ivy curling up its walls. The thatched roof groaned as Kael pushed the door open.
Inside, dried herbs and medicinal scents filled the air. Shelves sagged under jars that clinked when the Elder shifted behind a cluttered desk. Scrolls teetered in stacks, bottles crowded every surface, and sunlight sliced through the window, illuminating dust motes like sparks.
The Town Elder's eyes lifted as Kael entered. He rose from his chair, posture measured but welcoming. His gray-streaked beard framed a face that had seen much.
"Ah! You must be the assigned awakener," the Elder said, calm and deliberate. "Evergrove welcomes you. I am Sedford, Town Elder… and the village's only healer."
Kael inclined his head. "I heard you need help collecting herbs?"
"Yes," Sedford said, eyes somber now. "Glowpetal herbs. They bloom far to the north, in the Whispering Glade."
His gaze drifted to the window, sunlight catching the dust like sparks. "We can't go ourselves. Corrupted creatures roam the glade—clever, vicious. Many who ventured there never returned. That is why we need someone like you."
Kael frowned. "…Corruption already? Beginner areas aren't supposed to be dangerous."
"The world rarely offers safety," Sedford replied, voice steady but soft.
Kael exhaled slowly, flexing his fingers. "…Got it. I'll help you gather the herbs."
[Quest Received: Gathering Healing Herbs]
Difficulty: Basic
Objective: Collect 5 Glowpetal Herbs from the Whispering Glade
Reward: 50 EXP, 50 Coins, Minor Health Potion
********
Leaves rustled overhead, sunlight dappled the trail. Shadows thickened, unnaturally dense. The acrid bite of corruption stung Kael's nose.
"Let me guess… trouble," he muttered, tightening his grip on the rusty sword.
A voice stirred within him—low, steady, like words carried on a current.
"The corruption here runs thicker than expected."
Ahead, the first Glowpetal shimmered, its petals glowing with an ethereal blue. Kael reached toward it—
A growl tore through the quiet.
From the shadows, a wolf-like Darkspawn lunged. Black fur hung in clumps, eyes burning red, claws jagged like obsidian.
Darkspawn — Level 3
Entering Battle Mode
Kael's pulse spiked. He rolled backward, dirt scraping along his arms. Clutching the rusty sword, he swung—but it only left a shallow scratch.
Too fast… rhythm… timing… read its pattern, he thought.
The Darkspawn lunged again. Kael sidestepped, felt the tension in its shoulders, the twitch of its claws. He drove the sword into its side. The creature yelped and staggered. He didn't let up—crippling its legs until black mist swallowed it.
Darkspawn Beast DefeatedAll stats increase by 1EXP: +300Dark Essence: x6Coins: 250
Kael exhaled shakily. "…I actually did it."
"You did," the Entity said, calm and deliberate. "Small progress, but every step matters. More awaits—do not grow careless."
*******
The air pressed heavy, damp against Kael's skin. His shirt stuck to his back as he pushed through the hush of the glade. Four Glowpetals shimmered faintly in his pouch. Only one more.
Ahead, the last flower glowed at the base of a stone. Its blue light pulsed soft, inviting.
Kael took a step.
A laugh—low, sharp—slid through the trees.
He froze. The sound crawled under his skin.
From the shadows, a cloaked figure drifted forward. Its dagger caught the dim light, black liquid dripping from the blade. The smell hit him—rot and metal, thick enough to choke.
[Mini Boss Detected]Darkspawn Stalker – Level 5Entering Battle Mode
Kael's throat tightened. Level five… Mini boss already?
The Stalker blurred, then reappeared in front of him. Steel screamed as dagger met sword. The impact rattled through his arms, forced him to his knees.
"An awakener! Ah... You are weak," the creature hissed, breath sour, voice scraping against his skull. "Surrender your soul to meeee."
Kael shoved upward, teeth clenched. His health bar bled red. One slip—done.
Too fast. Can't match it head-on. Watch the rhythm… not the blade.
The Stalker vanished. A rustle—behind. Kael ducked, felt wind skim his hair, and slashed upward. His blade tore through its ribs. Hot ichor splattered across his cheek, burning like acid.
The Stalker shrieked, body twitching, shadows rippling.
The Entity's voice slid in, low, steady."Good. Track its weight, not its speed. Fear makes you blind. Breathe."
Kael forced a slow inhale. His pulse hammered, but his focus tightened. Shoulders drop before the strike. That's the tell.
The Stalker flickered again, laughter stabbing through the dark.
Kael staggered deliberately, sword dipping. A lure.
It lunged, dagger first.
Kael twisted. The blade grazed his ribs. Pain flashed hot, but he shoved forward, driving steel into its torso. He twisted hard, grinding through flesh and shadow.
The Stalker wailed. Darkness tore from its body, scattering like smoke.
Darkspawn Stalker DefeatedAll stats increase by 2EXP: +100Dark Essence: x10Coins: 350SP: +4Level Up!
Kael collapsed against the stone, lungs heaving, hands trembling around the hilt. Sweat dripped into his eyes. His arms shook with the weight of the sword.
Energy surged through him—raw, alive—strength flooding his veins. He gasped, half laugh, half disbelief."…Level three. I… I survived."
The Entity's tone softened."You adapted. Welldone! That is your strength."
Kael dragged himself upright, chest burning. His lips curled in a weak, shaky grin."Almost died twice today. Not bad… for a start."
He reached for the Glowpetal. Its light pulsed against his palm, warm like a heartbeat.
[Quest Complete]Gathering Healing HerbsReward: 50 EXP, 50 Coins, Minor Health Potion
The forest stilled. Too still.
A whisper grazed his ear, cold as steel.
"Beware, Ascendant. Your Rebirth Core… They are coming."
Kael's hand clenched around the flower. His sword lifted on instinct. Breath sharp, eyes darting through the trees.
"…Who?"
No answer. Only silence thick enough to suffocate.