The air was still.
Kael stood alone in the old cabin, the familiar scent of dust, wood, and oil grounding him. This place—though simple—had always been his refuge. His father's tools still hung on the wall. The training dummies in the back still bore old slash marks. This was home.
But everything had changed.
Wraithfang rested across the table in front of him, its steel edge faintly glowing from residual energy. Kael's body was sore, bruised from the encounter with the Scornwolf, but his mind was sharp, focused.
> "System, status."
---
[ Status – Kael]
Level: 2
HP: 128/150
MP: 90/100
Stamina: 47/60
Free Stat Points: 0
Luck: 5
Sync Rate (Wraithfang): 6%
---
He opened his Inventory next.
---
[ Inventory]
> – 1× Cracked Beast Fang
– 1× Scornwolf Hide
– 1× Ember Core (Unstable)
– 1× Basic Ration
– 1× Recovery Salve
– 1× Water Flask
– 1× Minor Weapon Upgrade Stone (Used)
---
His gaze landed on the glowing core fragment. The fight had been worth it.
> "Synthesis materials detected,"
"Proceed with Weapon Synthesis?"
Kael stepped back and laid Wraithfang on the old forge table, once used by the man who raised him. This felt symbolic—like passing down something sacred.
> "Yes. Begin."
---
[Weapon Synthesis – In Progress]
Base Weapon: Wraithfang (Tier D)
Catalyst: Ember Core
Affinity Match: 67%
Stability: Acceptable
> Warning: Trait Mutation Possible.
---
The room dimmed as light bled from the core and coiled into the blade. Runes ignited along its spine. Sparks danced through the air. Kael shielded his eyes as the entire cabin seemed to hum with energy.
Then—silence.
The glow faded, replaced by a soft blue hue along the blade's fuller. Wraithfang no longer looked like a mere weapon. It looked like something out of a legend.
---
[Weapon Synthesis Complete]
→ Wraithfang [Ember Vein]
Tier: D+
Trait Gained: Ember Vein
New Skill Unlocked: Flame Pulse (Level 1)
Durability: Enhanced
Weight: Balanced
Synchronization: 8%
---
Kael grasped the hilt again. It felt warmer—like it recognized him now.
He stepped outside into the night air, the moonlight casting silver over the cabin yard. He stood before the old training dummy.
> "Let's test it."
Kael took a deep breath, brought the blade into stance, and swung.
Wraithfang whistled through the air—faster, cleaner, more responsive than before. As it struck the target, blue flame sparked from the edge, briefly igniting the air around it.
It felt alive in his hands.
> "Weapon Skill Unlocked: Flame Pulse"
---
[Weapon Skill: Flame Pulse (Lv. 1)]
> Channel weapon essence to unleash a short-range flaming slash.
Cost: 20 MP
Cooldown: 15 sec
---
Kael's eyes widened with a grin. "Now we're talking."
Returning inside, he opened his Daily Quest panel.
---
[Daily Quest – Complete]
✔️ Perform Weapon Skill
✔️ Consume a Meal
✖️ Slay 3 Monsters (Progress: 1/3)
✖️ Train for 1 Hour
✖️ Complete Physical Conditioning Routine
> Reward: +5 Free Stat Points
Incomplete Quest Penalty: None today (Tutorial Period)
---
He added the 5 free points into Strength (+2) and Agility (+3), then began packing for tomorrow's journey.
From the old chest, he gathered what remained: extra rations, a worn cloak, a second waterskin, and a faded journal belonging to his foster father. He paused as he placed it in his bag.
> "I'll make you proud, old man."
He cast one last glance at the home—his home. Then set Wraithfang by the door, ready for the road ahead.
Tomorrow, he would begin his march to Fourbeason Outpost.
---