The village lights blinked like fireflies through the trees as I edged closer, the evening sky's orange hue stretching across the horizon. After surviving the forest, slimes, and near misses with goblin patrols, the sight of rooftops and chimney smoke made my chest unclench. Civilization. Shelter. People who didn't want to bite my head off.
But before I could relax, there was one more thing to take care of — the gifts I gained from discovering the civilization.
"Not dead yet. Protagonist lives to see episode two."
A familiar chime cut through the air — clean, mechanical, unavoidable. The same system voice that had assigned me my first quest. Words shimmered before my eyes.
[System Online: New Title Acquired.]
My heart skipped. The letters unrolled like subtitles.
[Title Acquired: GRACE OF BLOOD]
[Description: An effect tied to the wielder's presence and intent; upon contact with a target's blood, the Grace drains vitality from the target.]
[Mechanics: The Grace takes strength, stamina, or life from the target. It does NOT transfer those attributes to the wielder. It is a siphon that weakens the target; the wielder receives no direct stat gain.]
[Limitations: Must have contact with the target's blood. Prolonged drainage may result in target death. Improper use may attract hostile attention and cause psychological side effects.]
The ability to drain power from an enemy just from the contact of blood… my heart skipped a beat thinking of the implications this power could have. I just have to make the enemy bleed, and this power will do the work on its own.
In a world that wanted to kill me on sight, a way to neutralize an opponent without being outright victorious could be the difference between life and death. The Grace offered choice: disable, delay, disappear.
"I need to test it," I murmured.
At the corner of my vision, I spotted a small squirrel hopping from tree to tree. I quickly picked up a pebble from the ground and steadied myself for the perfect throw.
One…
Two…
With a strong swing, the rock whistled through the air, flying as fast as a bullet, and in the next moment—
Squelch!
The tiny squirrel squirmed as the stone buried itself into its tail, blood dripping down. The poor thing darted through the shrubs, letting out pained squeaks.
Carefully, I walked to the spot where its blood had dropped and scooped a single red droplet onto my fingertip.
"Grace of BLOODDD!!!" I yelled, because obviously, screaming the name makes it stronger.
[Grace of Blood Activated]
[Target: Squirrel]
[Time remaining for death: 2 minutes]
A faint tug pulled at my chest. I felt the connection, the skill activating. Even though the squirrel had already vanished from sight, I knew something was happening — like a thread tied between us, draining it.
Two minutes later—
[You have killed a squirrel. +1 EXP gained]
The familiar chime confirmed it. The innocent squirrel was dead.
"So this is how it works… I just have to imagine it, and the Grace does the rest. And the more powerful the target, the longer it takes."
A small smile tugged at my lips. "Heh. Not bad."
Pocketing that knowledge — and brushing off the guilt — I turned toward the village. Civilization was waiting.
---
The village lights glowed brighter now, lanterns hung along cobblestone paths. Timber-built houses leaned comfortably against one another, rooftops patched with hay and moss. Smoke curled gently from chimneys, the air rich with the smell of bread and roasted meat.
I let out a slow breath. "Finally… people."
As I stepped into the main street, a few heads turned. Some gave me curious looks — a traveler, alone, dusty, and clearly not local. I approached a man closing up a fruit stall, his hands calloused but kind.
"Excuse me, sir? Do you know where I could find a place to stay? Maybe an inn?"
He squinted at me, looked me up and down, then nodded toward a warmly lit building near the end of the street. "You'll find what you're lookin' for at the Silver Hearth Inn. Old Mira runs the place. She's strict, but fair. Best beds this side of the river."
"Thank you, sir," I said, bowing slightly.
Following his directions, I soon found it — a cozy two-story inn with a sturdy timber frame and warm light spilling through the windows. A wooden sign swung gently above the door, carved with a silver flame.
Stepping inside, I was greeted by warmth — a hearth crackling at one end, tables scattered across the floor, and the comforting scent of stew. A few villagers chatted quietly over mugs, laughter blending with the fire's crackle.
Behind the counter stood an older woman with chestnut hair streaked with silver, tied neatly in a bun. Her face carried soft wrinkles — not from age, but from years of smiling. Her gaze met mine, sharp but welcoming.
"Well, now. You look like you've had quite a journey, traveler." She said, her eyes assessing me from head to toe, her eyes sharpened caught that dirt accumulated from the rough travel I had in the jungle.
"You have no idea," I said with a tired grin. "Do you have a room for the night?"
She wiped her hands on her apron, nodding. "Aye. One night will cost you 40 bronze coins. Supper's 10, and a hot bath is 3. Want the full package?"
"Yes, please. I'll take all three."
I slipped my hand into my pocket, for my purse to get money but I forgot one thing- I don't have fucking money, but something appeared- coins — and they did. A soft metallic clink echoed from my palm as stacks of bronze shimmered into existence.
I blinked. Inventory?
[System Notice: Inventory Access Unlocked]
[Note: Limited use — currency only. Other storage unavailable at current level.]
A grin crept up my face. 'Hah! So I do have anime logic powers after all.'
Counting out the coins, I placed them on the counter. She swept them up with practiced ease.
"What is your name young boy" She said, her voice calm, the same smile stretching on her lips as she reached for a book under her desk.
"Arya"
"Your room's upstairs, second on the left. Supper will be brought up soon. The bath's ready down the hall. My daughter will show you."
From behind the counter, a young woman emerged like a genie— around my age, maybe a bit older. Long auburn hair tied into a low ponytail, eyes bright and sharp. Her simple linen dress was dusted with flour, probably from helping in the kitchen.
"Mother, I'll guide him." She turned to me with a polite smile. "Follow me, please."
"Sure," I said, trailing after her.
She led me up the creaking stairs, down a narrow corridor lit by candles. "Your room's here," she said, gesturing to a door. "Bathroom's down the hall — end of the corridor, right corner. It's shared by guests on this floor. Towels are inside. You can fetch warm water from the barrel beside it."
"Got it, thanks," I said.
She smiled faintly and with a shrug, headed back downstairs.
I opened my door. The room was small but tidy — a single bed, wooden table, candle flickering softly near the window. The air smelled faintly of pine and lavender.
I grabbed a towel and made my way to the bathroom. The space was simple but neat — a wooden tub, a few buckets, a pair of barrels one steaming, one cool. Mixing them, I tested the temperature until it was perfect.
Pouring the warm water over my shoulders, I sighed, eyes fluttering shut. "This… this is heaven."
The tension of the forest melted away with each splash. Dirt and blood washed down the drain, leaving only warmth and calm behind. For the first time since waking in this world, I felt human again.
After drying off, I returned to my room, where supper awaited — a bowl of hearty stew thick with vegetables and meat, a slice of bread, and a cup of spiced drink.
I sat on the bed, eating slowly. Each bite reminded me how starved I'd been — not just for food, but for comfort. After everything — the death, the forest, the slimes, goblins — this small room felt like the reward for surviving the prologue.
When the bowl was empty and the night grew quiet, I leaned against the window. The village glowed softly under moonlight, distant chatter fading as people settled in for rest.
My reflection stared back — hair slightly tamed, eyes steady, exhaustion hidden under resolve.
"This is where it starts," I murmured. "A new life. No cheats, no plot armor. Just me… and my weird blood-sucking title."
I chuckled softly.
"I'll survive. No — I'll thrive. Step by step, quest by quest. Until I stop running… and start winning."
Well… I guess I've always had a talent for being cringe.
The stars shimmered overhead, silent witnesses to my vow.
Tomorrow, the real journey would begin.
But tonight — tonight, Arya would rest.