Chapter 8 – Blade in the Shadows
Days passed. It had been a week since Ariz began his gruesome training under 2x gravity in the system's realm. Every swing of his sword felt like trying to move a mountain, his body aching with each motion. Yet, he didn't stop. His mind held only one thought—not revenge, not Zayen's death—but a burning desire to become stronger. Never again would he be trampled. Never again would he lose.
He trained relentlessly. Sword in hand, body drenched in sweat, he continued day and night, pausing only to eat, sleep, or check on his grandfather. But he never left the house, never let his focus waver.
Meanwhile, the village whispered.
Fear and confusion spread like wildfire. The story of Ariz's survival, once seen as a miracle, has now turned into something darker. Rumors twisted the truth—some claimed Ariz had died and returned possessed by a ghost, others whispered of curses.
Zayen's minions, still haunted by the memory of the river, spread their own stories to protect themselves. "I swear he was dead," one muttered. "I saw him drown with my own eyes…"
Soon, villagers confronted Ariz's grandfather. "Old man," one said, "you're hiding something. That boy's cursed!"
The old man's eyes burned with anger. "He is alive. That's the truth. If you fools have so much time to believe in rumors, go work! Stop spreading nonsense!"
Despite his fury, worry etched his face. He knew this peace wouldn't last.
In a shadowy alley on the other side of the village, Zayen stood with his minions. His arms crossed, face cold.
"I'm telling you," one of them said, voice trembling, "he's not human anymore—maybe a ghost or something worse."
Zayen scoffed, hiding his unease. "Luck. That's all it was. Ariz got lucky. If he shows up again, I'll bury him myself."
But inside, a tiny sliver of fear gnawed at him.
—
Back inside the training ground…
Ding!
Congratulations, host. Your skill "Flowing Shadow" has leveled up (Lv. 0 → Lv. 1).
The cold mechanical voice echoed in Ariz's mind.
He panted heavily, body bruised and sore. But something had changed. His footwork had become smoother, faster. His blade, though still heavy, flowed with increasing precision.
Then—
Ding!
New task issued: Defeat a virtual opponent — Zayen (Simulated: real strength and skill).
Ariz's expression stiffened. "Zayen…" he whispered.
In an instant, the environment around him changed. A stone arena formed beneath his feet, and standing at the opposite end was a perfect replica of Zayen—arrogant smirk, confident stance, and a sword gleaming in hand.
"Come," the virtual Zayen sneered. "Let's see if your luck holds up."
The fight began.
Under 2x gravity, Ariz struggled to move fluidly. Every step felt like dragging chains, every swing drained his energy. The virtual Zayen attacked with merciless precision, pushing Ariz onto the defensive.
Clang!
Their swords met in a burst of sparks.
Slash!
Ariz stumbled back, barely dodging a vicious strike.
"Is this all?" Zayen mocked. "Still weak."
But Ariz's eyes burned with quiet fire. He steadied his breath, focused, and channeled the Flowing Shadow technique. His footwork grew sharper, his movements more elusive. He began countering, landing light strikes—testing, learning.
Minutes turned into what felt like hours.
Finally, Ariz saw an opening. As Zayen lunged forward for a finishing blow, Ariz twisted his body mid-air—despite the gravity—and brought his sword down in a clean arc.
Slash!
The virtual Zayen froze. A moment later, he split cleanly in half and dissolved into particles of light.
Ding!
Congratulations, host. You have completed the task.
Reward: Physical Body Strengthening Potion (Strength +1, Agility +1, Vitality +1).
Ariz collapsed to his knees, gasping.
A glowing vial appeared before him. Without hesitation, he drank it.
Warmth spread through his body. His vision blurred.
He passed out.
His body began to change.
His once frail frame slowly strengthened—lean muscles forming beneath his skin. His limbs lengthened slightly, his chest and shoulders filled out. His hair grew longer, falling past his shoulders. Though not bulky, he no longer looked like the sickly boy he once was.
Hours later, he awoke, still lying on the training ground floor.
He sat up slowly, blinking. His body felt lighter… stronger. He clenched his fists and smiled.
[Stats Window]
Name: Ariz al-Suleiman
Rank: Beginner (Swordsman)
Strength: 6 → 7
Agility: 5 → 6
Vitality: 6 → 7
Wisdom: 7
Magic Power: (???) Sealed
Luck: 5
Skill: Flowing Shadow (Lv. 1)
Skill Points: 2
Stat Points: 0
He stood up, the dim sky of the system realm above him.
"They wanted me dead," he whispered. "But I'm not just alive… I'm becoming unstoppable."
And with that, Ariz returned to training—step by step, swing by swing—sharpening the blade that would one day cut through fate itself.