The forest was silent.
Too silent.
He stood alone, sword in hand, eyes sharp.
[System Reminder]
Power should be tested through combat.
"Fine," he muttered.
He stepped forward.
A shadow lunged from the trees.
A wild beast—ranked higher than anything he had ever faced before.
Last life, this creature killed him.
This life—
He didn't retreat.
[Skill Activated: Basic Sword Technique]
His body moved on instinct.
One slash.
The beast howled as blood sprayed across the ground.
Another strike.
Clean. Precise. Fatal.
The corpse collapsed at his feet.
Silence returned.
He stared at his hands.
"So this is power…"
[Enemy Defeated]
Experience Gained
Strength +1
Before he could relax—
Footsteps.
Three figures appeared, wearing sect uniforms.
Their leader sneered.
"Looks like we found a lucky rat."
The others laughed.
"You killed our prey," one said. "Hand over the core."
He slowly raised his sword.
Last life, he begged.
This life—
"No."
The leader's smile vanished.
"You're asking to die."
[System Alert]
Hostile Encounter Detected
New Mission: Defeat or Escape
Reward: Unknown
He grinned.
"Good," he said quietly.
"I was hoping for more."
The sect disciples drew their weapons.
The forest filled with killing intent.
And his blood began to boil.