I stepped cautiously into the western part of Dúlach Forest, my boots sinking slightly into the damp soil. The air was heavy, carrying the faint smell of moss and decay. Every shadow could hide a predator, and every rustle of leaves set my heart pounding.
This was it — my first real hunt. My hands gripped my sword tighter.
My motto is short and to the point, both motivating and horrifying:
Novice Arya, remember — one mistake, and it could be your last.
With little to no experience of Dúlach Forest, I had already walked over two hundred meters inside the dense underbrush.
No sooner had I taken a few more steps than movement caught my eye.
Three creatures emerged from the shadows. One pulsed with a sickly green glow, another shimmered a deep blue, and the third… white, almost translucent.
Slimes.
One of the very first creatures I had encountered since arriving in this world… and unfortunately, some of the trickiest. My leg had already gotten scraped badly just getting here.
Tightening my grip on the sword, I braced myself for the onslaught of these dumb blobs.
Before the green slime could even react, I dashed forward hastily and plunged my sword into its small, squishy body.
Slich!
[You have killed a slime. +10 exp gained]
[Current EXP: 101 / 100 → LEVEL UP!]
[LEVEL UP! You are now Level 2. STR +2, END +1]
A surge of power hit me like electricity coursing through my veins, rejuvenating my body as if it had been in pain for years. My muscles felt denser, my reflexes sharper, and even my chest felt broader, as though my body remembered how to hold itself. I flexed experimentally, feeling the weight and strength of my own limbs.
This… this was what I had been wanting from the very start — an increase in strength. Just a single level up, and my stats had already improved dramatically.This… this was what I had been wanting from the very start — an increase in strength. Just a single level up, and my stats had already improved dramatically.
My confidence surged, but I reminded myself: Level 2 doesn't mean I'm invincible. Feral wolves are still out there… and one slip could be my last.My confidence surged, but I reminded myself: Level 2 doesn't mean I'm invincible. Feral wolves are still out there… and one slip could be my last.
By how easily I earned experience, a small smile appeared on my face, but before I could celebrate anymore a gurgling sound interrupted my happiness.
Grugle!
A spherical water blob as big as a ball shooted towards my face with a sickening pace, but before It could land on my face my instincts kicked in and I quickly dodged it... or so I thought.
The water blob lodged itself on my shoulder and... drenched my cloths.
Seriously- are you kidding me!
Is this how powerful a waterball is supposed to be- it is just like a festival game I have played back on Earth in which we have to shoot at people with a water ballon, and it didn't hurt at all but left us drenched.
"Tch" With a disappointed scoff I lodged my sword in the blue slime killing it completely.
[You have killed a slime. +10 exp gained]
The same sweet chime confirmed my kill and I moved towards my last target... or some last target's.
The white slime which I thought was harmless suddenly increased in numbers.
A total of four slimes bounce before me with seemingly neutral expression.
"..."
Can they divide themselves
Shaking of unwanted thoughts I quickly moved my swords and killed them without anymore hesitation.
Slich! Slich! Slich! Slich!
[You have killed a slime. +20 exp gained]
Hmm... does the system got glitches or something.
That was clearly a single slime that had multiplied itself, so why the hell did the system give me four times the experience points?
Good for me though.
A small smile stretched across my lips. If I stayed this lucky, leveling up didn't seem that hard.
Still catching my breath from the slime fight, something unusual caught my eye — a faint, red glow pulsing among the roots of a gnarled tree.
Since when do plants start to glow?
Curious, I stepped closer, my boots crunching softly over fallen leaves. The glow seemed almost alive, throbbing like a heartbeat beneath the moss.
My fingers itched to touch it… maybe it was some rare herb or crystal? Would it finally make me rich?
The cost of living and food had already drained my savings. I had spent more than five silver coins, and my funds were almost gone.
Ignoring all thoughts of money, I leaned closer — and that's when the system pinged sharply in my ears.
[SYSTEM ALERT: RARE ITEM DETECTED – Crimson Vial Plant]
[Item Description: An extremely rare poisonous plant. Its extracts are used to craft deadly weapons. Handle with caution.
Potential applications: assassination, traps, chemical warfare.]
[RECOMMENDATION: Collect the plant carefully and store it for future use. Do not damage the plant. Remove it entire, including roots and surrounding soil, and store safely. Mishandling may render it useless or allow the poison to spread in the surroundings.]
I blinked. Entire? Roots and soil? My fingers trembled slightly as I crouched carefully. One wrong move and the plant could be ruined… or worse, the system might not give me the reward.
Taking a deep breath, I carefully started digging the surrounding soil with my bare hands, following the system's instructions. I loosened the soil gently without touching the glowing red leaves or roots.
Slowly, the plant began to lift from the ground, its roots holding a chunk of soil. Carefully, I cupped the soil and lifted the plant, placing it on a small heap of dried leaves.
Well… how was I going to take this back to the inn?
The plant was almost as long as my arm, so carrying it would definitely be a challenge.
[SYSTEM ALERT: ITEM ACQUIRED – Crimson Vial Plant]
Immediately after securing it, the system chimed again.
[REWARD: +30 EXP gained]
I knelt down and inspected the glowing plant on the heap of dried leaves. A sinister thought crossed my mind: With this, I could make weapons capable of killing even the strongest beasts someday.
Excitement and fear twisted together in my chest. The forest suddenly felt full of opportunity — and danger.
I wiped my hands on my pants, savoring the thrill of newfound power.
Taking a deep breath, I was ready to delve further into Dúlach Forest, every step feeling sharper, stronger, and more purposeful. I was learning fast — and this was only the beginning.
But everyone in life has ups and downs — and it seemed my luck had finally run its course.
Grrr...
And that's when I heard it — a low, menacing growl from behind me.