Day five in Astralis.
The world no longer feels unfamiliar. The village, the forest, the creatures lurking just beyond sight—everything has become part of my routine.
I have adapted.
Through sheer effort, I have earned 869 Ether. I reached level three by hunting wolves near the forest, my experience slowly shaping my growth.
My points are distributed carefully.
Three into perception, allowing me to see further and clearer in the dark. Shadows no longer hinder me as much.
Three into health, boosting my total to 300 HP and granting regeneration at five per second. Wounds close fast, fatigue fades quicker.
But today is different.
Today, I am hunting something no one else knows about.
A hidden mini-boss deep in the woods.
A Dire Wolf.
The air grows dense as I step past the tree line, the thick mist curling between branches. The usual sounds of the forest—birds, rustling leaves, distant growls—are gone.
Only silence remains.
I scan the area carefully. Then, movement.
A shadow shifts between the trees.
It is bigger than the average wolf. Nearly twice the size. Its fur is dark, a near-black coat blending with the forest, its eyes faintly glowing with intelligence.
It doesn't move like a beast.
It moves like something aware.
The Dire Wolf lunges.
I react instantly, raising my sword.
The force of the impact sends a sharp vibration through my arms, but there is no pain.
I check my status.
273 out of 300 HP.
I exhale slowly. The realization settles in.
This world has no pain.
The wolf strikes again, faster this time.
I brace, blocking the attack with the flat of my sword. The sheer weight behind the strike is immense, forcing me back a step.
263 out of 300 HP.
This thing is stronger than any wolf I have faced. Every movement calculated, every strike precise.
It isn't just attacking randomly. It is testing me.
The fight drags on, both of us adapting. The Dire Wolf dodges efficiently, not wasting movement. It knows exactly when to attack and when to retreat.
Then, an opening.
It moves left, exposing its side just for a moment.
I commit.
The blade cuts deep into its ribs.
For the first time, the Dire Wolf stumbles, a growl ripping through the quiet forest.
Its eyes shift, uncertainty flickering within them.
It understands now.
I am not prey.
The final moment arrives.
It lunges at full speed, claws extended, aiming to crush me under its sheer mass.
I don't dodge.
I raise my sword.
A single, precise thrust.
The Dire Wolf collides with the steel.
Silence follows.
Then, the massive body collapses.
Mini-boss defeated.
I kneel beside the corpse, wiping sweat from my forehead. The familiar glow of dropped loot appears beside the body.
A Dire Wolf Fang and its Core.
I take them both.
My sword is near breaking. Tiny fractures line its blade, the repeated fights wearing it down.
I make my way back to the village, stepping inside the blacksmith's forge.
He eyes me with mild curiosity, arms folded.
I toss the fang and core onto the counter.
"Make me something new."
He smirks. "Your old sword's dying, huh?"
I nod.
He picks up the materials, turning them in his hands. His expression shifts, genuine interest sparking in his gaze.
"This… will make a fine weapon."
Back at the inn, I settle in for the night.
I eat until I am full, drinking until the exhaustion finally pulls at me.
Sleep comes easily.
Tomorrow, I will be stronger.