Chapter 2: System Integration and First Battle for Survival
He noticed a new entry: "System Lord Interface: Available." Intrigued, he focused on it. The screen expanded, revealing a more detailed menu:
[System Lord Interface - Core Functions]
* [Quest Manipulation:]
* [View Active Quests]
* [Modify Quest Parameters]
* [Create New Quests]
* [Reward Adjustment:]
* [Modify Existing Rewards]
* [Generate Custom Rewards]
* [Skill Development:]
* [Learn Existing Skills]
* [Create Custom Skills]
* [System Control:]
* [Interface Customization]
* [World Information (Limited)]
Ethan felt a surge of excitement. He had control over this system. He could change things. He could… he wasn't sure what yet, but the possibilities seemed endless. He cautiously selected "Quest Manipulation" and then "Create New Quests."
A new window popped up, displaying a template for creating a quest. It asked for a quest title, description, objectives, and rewards. Ethan, still trying to grasp the situation, decided to create a simple quest for himself:
[Create New Quest]
[Quest Title:] Explore the Surroundings
[Quest Description:] Venture into the nearby forest and familiarize yourself with the environment.
[Objectives:] Explore a 100-meter radius.
[Rewards:] 10 Experience Points, Basic Healing Potion (x1)
He clicked "Create," and the quest appeared in his interface:
[Active Quests]
* Explore the Surroundings (Pending)
Ethan felt a thrill. This was incredible.
He had a system, a way to interact with this world. He was no longer just a bewildered newcomer; he was a System Lord.
Before he could delve deeper into the interface, a low growl echoed through the trees. Ethan's head snapped up, his eyes scanning the dense foliage. He saw movement, a dark shape slinking between the trees.
Two glowing red eyes pierced the shadows.
[Dire Wolf - Level 5]
[HP: 250/250]
Ethan's heart pounded in his chest. He had barely explored the System, barely understood his powers, and already he was facing a hostile creature.
He instinctively backed away, his eyes fixed on the wolf. It was larger than any wolf he had ever seen, its fur a dark, almost black, shade. Its muscles rippled beneath its thick coat, and its teeth gleamed menacingly in the dim light.
This wasn't just any wolf; it was a Dire Wolf, and its level was significantly higher than his.
The wolf took a step forward, then another. It was stalking him, its eyes never leaving his. Ethan knew he was in danger.
He had no weapons, no skills, just his wits and the System. He glanced at his interface, frantically searching for something, anything, that could help him.
He saw the "Skills" section and quickly opened it. It was empty. He had no skills.
He then tried "Reward Adjustment" within "Quest Manipulation" for the "Explore the Surroundings" quest.
He tried to add a "Basic Combat Skill" as a possible reward, but the System responded with a message:
[Insufficient System Authority to Modify Quest Rewards at this time. Further System Integration Required.]
Frustration welled up inside him. He had this incredible power, this System Lord interface, but he couldn't use it when he needed it most. The wolf snarled, its breath misting in the cool air. It was about to attack.
Ethan knew he had to act fast. He might not have combat skills, but he had something else: he had information.
He quickly opened his "Status" window again, focusing on his stats. He had a higher Agility than Strength. Maybe, just maybe, he could outmaneuver it.
The wolf lunged. Ethan reacted instinctively, dodging to the side.
The wolf's jaws snapped shut where he had been standing just moments before.
He stumbled, but managed to keep his balance.
He turned and ran, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The wolf was faster, though. He could hear its heavy paws pounding the earth behind him, its growls echoing through the trees.
He glanced back and saw the wolf gaining on him. He had to do something, anything. He looked at the interface again, his eyes darting across the screen.
Then, he saw it. "Inventory." He opened it, and his eyes widened. There, in his inventory, was a single item:
[Basic Healing Potion (x1)]
He had received it as a reward for creating the "Explore the Surroundings" quest, even though it was still pending.
He quickly grabbed the potion from his inventory. It materialized in his hand as a small, glass vial filled with a glowing red liquid. He uncorked it and gulped it down.
The potion's effect was immediate. A warm sensation spread through his body, easing his aches and pains.
He felt a surge of energy, his stamina returning. It wasn't a combat skill, but it was something. It was a chance.
The wolf was almost upon him. Ethan stopped running, turned to face the creature, and a new message appeared on his interface:
[Quest Updated: Explore the Surroundings - Survive the Encounter]
[New Objective: Defeat the Dire Wolf]
[New Rewards: 75 Experience Points, Dire Wolf Pelt, System Manipulation (Lv.1), Basic Combat Skill (Random)]
Ethan knew he was still outmatched, but he wasn't going to run anymore.
He was a System Lord, and he wasn't going to be intimidated by a Level 5 wolf. He took a deep breath, focusing on his agility, and prepared to face his first real challenge in Aethelgard.
He dodged another lunge, the wolf's claws raking through the air where he had been standing.
He used the momentum of his dodge to grab a nearby branch, a thick, sturdy piece of wood. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.
The fight was brutal. The wolf was stronger, faster, and more experienced. Ethan relied on his agility, dodging and weaving, trying to avoid the wolf's attacks.
He used the branch as a makeshift weapon, poking and prodding, trying to find a weak spot.
He was constantly checking his HP, watching it dwindle with each successful hit from the wolf.
He used his agility to his advantage, circling the wolf, trying to tire it out.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the wolf made a mistake. It lunged, and Ethan, anticipating the move, sidestepped and brought the branch down on the wolf's head with all his might.
The wolf whimpered, staggered, and then collapsed.
[Quest Complete: Explore the Surroundings - Survive the Encounter]
[Experience Gained: 75/100]
[Rewards Received: Dire Wolf Pelt, System Manipulation (Lv.1), Basic Combat Skill (Iron Skin)]