The morning sky was covered with gray clouds.
Cold wind passed through the palace courtyard.
Arin stood near the western gate, wearing simple leather armor.
In front of him stood Rynor, Jaren, and Lyra.
All three looked serious.
Today was different.
Today, they would face real danger.
The system activated quietly.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Trial Mission Generated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Objective – Clear rogue beasts in Eastwood Forest]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Threat Level – Moderate]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Team Bonus – Active]
Rynor swallowed.
"Real monsters…?"
Arin nodded.
"Yes. If we want to grow, we must fight."
Jaren tightened his grip on his axe.
"Then let's go."
Lyra took a deep breath.
"I'll support."
They left the palace and walked toward the forest.
The city walls slowly disappeared behind them.
The forest was dark and silent.
Tall trees blocked the sunlight.
Dry leaves covered the ground.
Every sound felt dangerous.
Arin walked at the rear, observing carefully.
His heart was beating fast.
This was his first real mission.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed.
Three figures emerged from the bushes.
Gray-furred wolves.
Red eyes.
Sharp fangs.
Each was as big as a horse.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Target Identified – Ironfang Wolves]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Classification – Low Beast]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Average Stats – STR 35 | SPD 40 | END 30]
"Formation," Arin whispered.
Rynor stepped forward.
Jaren moved to the side.
Lyra stayed behind.
Just like training.
One wolf leaped.
Rynor blocked with his sword.
Clang.
The impact pushed him back.
But he stood firm.
Jaren rushed in and swung his axe.
The blade cut into the wolf's side.
Blood splashed on the ground.
Lyra raised her staff.
"Mana Pulse."
Blue light burst forward.
Another wolf was knocked back several meters.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Team Coordination +10%]
The last wolf suddenly changed direction.
It rushed straight toward Arin.
Too fast.
Too close.
Arin's body froze.
His stats were too low.
He couldn't dodge in time.
"Arin!" Lyra shouted.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Emergency Support Activated]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Temporary Boost – SPD +10 (10 seconds)]
Power surged through his legs.
Arin rolled sideways.
Claws ripped through his sleeve.
His skin burned.
Rynor roared.
He slashed downward.
The wolf's head fell to the ground.
Silence returned.
Three corpses lay among the leaves.
Blood soaked the soil.
Everyone panted heavily.
Jaren dropped to his knees.
"We… we did it."
Lyra rushed to Arin.
"Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine," Arin replied, breathing hard.
Inside, he was still shaking.
He had almost died.
The system activated again.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Mission Completed]
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Rewards Granted]
STR +1
SPD +1
Tactical Awareness +1
Team Bond +15%
[PLAYER PROFILE – ARIN ELDORIA
STR: 6
MAG: 5
SPD: 6
END: 5
INT: 8
CHA: 7
Growth Potential: SSS
System Authority: Level 1
]
Arin clenched his fist.
He could feel it.
He was stronger than before.
Even if only a little.
Rynor knelt.
"Your Highness… you didn't panic. You trusted us."
Jaren grinned.
"You're a real leader."
Lyra smiled softly.
"We'll follow you."
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Loyalty Increased]
On a distant hill, a cloaked man watched quietly.
"Interesting… the Sixth Prince is growing."
That night, back in his room, Arin replayed the battle in his mind.
Every mistake.
Every delay.
Every fear.
"I won't hesitate again," he whispered.
[SYSTEM PROMPT: Mental Fortitude +1]
Outside, thunder rumbled.
A storm was coming.
Not just in the sky.
But in Eldoria.