The morning sun broke through the trees, glinting off the mist that hovered over the forest.
I was already awake, feeding branches into the small campfire when the others began to stir.
"Morning, Haru," Hyun Woo said, rubbing his eyes.
"Yeah," I replied. "Couldn't sleep much."
I didn't tell them about the dream—the one where I lived an entire life as a warrior king. It still lingered in my mind like a second heartbeat.
---
We decided to explore. Riku said there might be a stream nearby, so we followed the sound of running water. For a moment, it felt peaceful—until the bushes ahead shook.
A large, wolf-like creature emerged, its fur glowing faint blue under the sunlight. Its teeth bared, and its growl sent chills through the air.
Marco stepped forward, his eyes flashing as the system panel appeared in front of him.
"Looks like it's time to test this thing," he said, grinning. "Let's go—B Rank Taunt!"
The air around him pulsed, and the beast's glowing eyes locked onto Marco. It roared, charging at him with full force.
Before it could reach him, Minji raised her hand, blue mist swirling around her fingertips.
"A Rank Frozen Field!" she shouted.
Frost spread across the ground, freezing the monster's legs in place. The air turned sharp and cold, even my breath turned white.
I grab a broken branch and rushing forward.
I swung with all my strength, slashing the creature's side—but it wasn't enough. My makeshift weapon splintered, only wounding it.
The monster broke free of the ice and lunged at Riku.
"Riku, watch out!" Hyun Woo shouted.
The beast's claw grazed his shoulder, tearing his jacket and drawing blood—but Riku reacted fast.
"Wood Bind!" he shouted, and thick vines burst from the ground, wrapping around the creature's legs and neck.
I saw the opening.
I swung again—straight at the wound I'd made earlier. The branch cracked in half, but the blow was enough.
The monster let out a piercing cry before dissolving into a shower of blue particles.
> [Lesser Moon Wolf – Defeated]
[Experience +12%]
Everyone stood still, catching their breath.
Hyun Woo rushed over to Riku. "Are you okay?"
Riku winced but managed a smile. "Just a few scratches."
Hyun Woo raised his palm, and golden light wrapped around his hand.
"Healing Light – S Rank."
The glow spread over Riku's shoulder, sealing the wound almost instantly.
Everyone stared in awe.
Marco whistled. "S-rank healing? Dude, that's crazy."
Hyun Woo sighed. "Seems this system gave us different roles... warriors, mages, supports."
I looked down at my broken branch, my heart still racing.
I didn't have any weapon, no real skill—but somehow, the memory of Arthur guided my movements.
If this was only the beginning... what kind of world were we really in?
---