---
After the tense conversation with Father, I was still buzzing with nerves. But I'd gotten what I wanted: permission to leave. That single step opened up the path I needed—to gather the tools, strength, and experience to rewrite my fate and secure a solid foundation before the Academy began.
So, with determination burning in my chest, I headed out.
The first thing I did was stop by the marketplace. If I was going to train outside the estate, I couldn't exactly walk around flaunting the Duke's son image. I bought a simple black cloak, a plain mask, and a longsword—not the flashiest blade, but sturdy enough for practice. I even splurged on a fitted suit of light armor and a storage ring. Honestly? The storage ring wasn't entirely necessary, but it looked cool, and part of me had always wanted one.
With my gear ready, I set my sights northward—towards Tera Forest, a vast stretch of untamed wilderness near Zeraphis, the capital of the Sendric Empire. It was one of the safer hunting grounds, but still dangerous enough for beginners like me to test their limits.
By the time I reached the treeline, the sun was already hanging low, painting the leaves in shades of gold. Pulling up my hood and mask, I stepped into the forest. Silence pressed down around me, broken only by the crunch of leaves under my boots.
A few minutes in, I spotted my first target: a hulking wild boar rooting around the underbrush. Its tusks were jagged, its muscles thick, and its eyes carried that restless animal rage.
My heart hammered. This is it. My first hunt. No tutorials. No reset button. Just me.
I bent down, scooping up a handful of dirt, and kept a rock ready in my other hand. With a deep breath, I hurled the stone, striking the boar's side.
The beast let out a furious squeal and immediately charged.
"Come on," I muttered under my breath.
As it barreled toward me, I flung the dirt into its eyes. The boar squealed again, blinded for a moment. I used the opening to kick at its side, but its sheer bulk only shoved it back a few meters.
Before I could follow up, the boar feinted—then swung its tusks at me. I wasn't fast enough to dodge completely and hit the ground hard, the air knocked out of me.
Too reckless! I cursed, rolling desperately to avoid being gored. My fingers found the hilt of my sword, and in one motion I yanked it free and hurled it at the beast's head.
The blade struck, not dead center, but enough to pierce above its brow. Blood spurted as the boar screamed, thrashing wildly.
Branches snapped. The ground shook as it smashed into trees, its frenzy tearing the forest apart. I retreated, grabbing anything I could—sticks, rocks—and pelted them at the monster to keep its attention off me.
Minutes passed, though it felt like hours. Its movements slowed. Its rage dulled into sluggish stumbles.
Now.
I sprinted forward, hurling a rock at its feet to trip it before slamming my fist into its snout with everything I had. The beast staggered, crashing down onto its side.
Still alive. Still struggling.
I gritted my teeth, grabbing the hilt of my sword lodged in its skull. It wouldn't budge. Desperation fueled me as I yanked again and again, until finally, with a wet rip, it came free.
Without hesitation, I stabbed. Once. Twice. Again and again, until the light finally drained from its eyes and its body went limp.
The forest grew quiet once more.
I stood there, panting heavily, staring at the bloody blade in my hands. My stomach churned, but… I didn't vomit. Not like I thought I would.
Maybe I'd already accepted it—the cold reality of this world. Kill, or be killed.
Wiping the blade on the grass, I shoved the boar's corpse into my storage ring. A dull ache ran through my arms and legs, exhaustion weighing me down. I wanted to survey my surroundings, maybe even push further into the forest… but the strain hit me all at once.
I collapsed onto the forest floor, chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Conscious, but too drained to move.
So this is the start of it, huh…?