Eric unfolded the map John had given him, tracing the paths carefully. According to its markings, they were in the southern region of Littleroot Town, a small settlement at the edge of the forest. Farther south lay the Murky Mountains, dense and foreboding, separating the Willow Kingdom from the Misty Kingdom. The nearest city lay north of Littleroot, meaning he would have to pass through the town on his way.
The forest stretched endlessly, alive with rustling leaves and distant calls of animals. Eric tucked the map into his pack and studied the surroundings. He needed to gain experience before reaching the city. Hunting would help him grow stronger, and the forest was full of opportunities.
Moving carefully down the path, Eric spotted a forest boar ahead. It was smaller than the one he had faced before but still formidable.
[Forest Boar – Level 3 | HP: 50/50]
The boar charged, tusks lowered. Eric sidestepped, slashed, and struck again, adjusting to the movement of his body and the rhythm of the fight. Each hit landed with feedback in his mind:
[You dealt 6 damage | Boar HP: 44/50]
[You dealt 5 damage | Boar HP: 39/50]
[You dealt 7 damage | Boar HP: 32/50]
Step by step, he adapted to the flow of the fight. His strikes became more precise, his footwork steadier, until the boar finally collapsed.
[You killed an ordinary creature: Forest Boar | Level Up]
Eric paused to catch his breath, a small smile forming. Each hunt strengthened his coordination, tested his reflexes, and made his movements feel more natural in this world.
Further down the path, a rabbit darted across his view.
[Rabbit – Level 1 | HP: 5/5]
A quick thrust ended it, and the notification appeared:
[You killed an ordinary creature: Rabbit | EXP gained]
Eric continued moving deeper into the forest, practicing his strikes on smaller creatures and observing his surroundings. He could feel himself growing stronger with every encounter.
Suddenly, the rustle of leaves became louder, heavier. Eric froze. Ahead, several shadowy figures moved between the trees—a pack of wolves, eyes glinting in the dappled sunlight.
[Wolf – Level 4 | HP: 60/60]
[Wolf – Level 4 | HP: 60/60]
[Wolf – Level 4 | HP: 60/60]
They stopped for a moment, staring at him as if assessing their prey. Their low growls carried through the forest, warning him. Eric gripped his knife tightly. This fight would be different—he could feel the danger of multiple predators moving together.
The forest grew silent except for the soft padding of their paws. The first move was about to come