[ Martial Arts LVL 1 ] Passive Skill
- When using Martial Arts your damage is added by 5%.
Ashen stood amidst the open field, his body instinctively moving with precise, fluid motions as he battled yet another Timber Wolf. The creature snarled, baring its teeth as it lunged at him, but Ashen dodged with minimal effort, his fist striking cleanly into its side.
The crowd around him watched in silence, murmurs beginning to rise as they took in his graceful movements. There was no hesitation, no wasted energy. Ashen's skill was undeniable, and soon, gossip spread like wildfire.
"That guy has to be an expert," a young man with white hair and piercing blue eyes remarked. He stood with his arms crossed, watching Ashen intently, his tone filled with admiration.
Ashen, although focused on his fight, had already sensed the stares of those around him. He was used to it by now—the awe, the curiosity—but it didn't distract him from his task. The Timber Wolf let out a final pained yelp before collapsing at his feet, the light in its eyes fading.
Just as Ashen was about to move on, a voice called out behind him.
"Hey, can I talk to you for a moment?"
Ashen turned to find a man walking toward him. He looked to be in his mid-twenties, with dark hair and sharp features. His smile was disarming, and he extended his hand in greeting.
"My name's Griffin."
Ashen studied him for a second, wary of his sudden approach, but nonetheless accepted the handshake. "I'm Ashen. Nice to meet you."
"I'll get straight to the point. I watched you take down that wolf." Griffin's tone was casual but held a note of interest. "I'm planning to invest in this game, build a real team. I'm looking for capable players like you to join me."
Ashen's eyes narrowed slightly. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not looking to commit to anything just yet. Right now, I just want to enjoy the game. If I can make some money while I'm at it, that's great, but I need more time to think about it."
Griffin smiled, undeterred. "Fair enough. I'll add you as a friend for now. Just keep my offer in mind—it won't hurt to consider it. Might even benefit you more than you think."
Ashen gave a slight nod, not fully convinced but polite enough not to dismiss the man outright. "I'll think about it."
After exchanging pleasantries, the two parted ways, and Ashen returned to his grind. He ventured further into the open field, where packs of Timber Wolves roamed. Most players had already formed parties to take on the wolves, the pain and fear of the battles still fresh in their minds.
The game's 100% synchronization rate made every wound, every bite, feel terrifyingly real. Many had learned this the hard way. Some of the less experienced players thought they could handle the wolves alone, emboldened by watching Ashen fight. However, within minutes, the air was filled with screams as the wolves tore into them, their bodies crumpling under sharp claws and fangs.
"I thought this was supposed to be fun! This pain is too real!" one player yelled, backing away as a wolf lunged at him, barely escaping with his life.
Ashen, on the other hand, showed no such fear. He moved through the field with practiced ease, cutting down wolf after wolf. His strikes were efficient, hitting vital points that caused blood to spill and wolves to stagger. His Martial Arts skill seemed to be in perfect sync with his movements, allowing him to exploit the wolves' weaknesses effortlessly.
As the other players struggled to form groups and share the experience, Ashen was already ahead of them, slaying his eighth Timber Wolf.
The system notification appeared in his vision.
Ding!
You have leveled up.
Ashen paused to check his status screen, the familiar blue interface hovering before him.
---
Name: Ashen
Race: Human
Level: 3
Experience Bar: 0 / 400
Hit Points: 50/50
Mana: 25/25
Physical Attack: 5-8 | +8
Magical Attack: 5
Physical Defense: 5
Magical Defense: 5
Job Class: None
Sub Class: None
Strength: 13
Agility: 18
Intelligence: 5
Vitality: 5
Dexterity: 15
Attribute Points Remaining: 10
Skills: Martial Arts LVL 1
Titles: None
Items
Weapon:
Timber Wolf Tooth Knife [common]
- Physical attack damage: +8
Armor: None
Accessories: None
Pet System:
Pets: None
Mounts: None
---
"I've got 10 attribute points now," Ashen muttered, closing the status window. "But I'll hold onto them for now."
He sheathed his knife and glanced deeper into the forest, feeling a pull toward the unknown. There was no thrill in merely slaying wolves; he craved more. Something more dangerous.
As he ventured further into the shadows of the woods, the whispers and envious glances from the other players followed him. Some had begun to idolize him, while others were filled with jealousy at how effortlessly he moved through the game.
One player, still nursing a bite wound from a wolf, shook his head in disbelief. "How does he do it? It's like the monsters don't even stand a chance."
But Ashen didn't hear their words. His mind was already far ahead, thinking only of the next challenge. The deeper he went into the forest, the thicker the air became, the trees looming ominously overhead.
He could sense it. Something darker, something stronger was waiting for him. And that excited him far more than the Timber Wolves ever could.
---
[Timber Wolf]
Race: Beast
Level: 2
Hit Points: 50/50
Abilities:
- Bite: Inflicts moderate damage and has a chance to cause Bleeding.
- Swipe: Deals minor physical damage.
---
Ashen's breath quickened as the familiar thrill of the hunt surged within him. The deeper he went, the fewer players there were, and soon he was alone, the eerie quiet of the forest swallowing him whole. Yet, he didn't falter.
Ashen doesn't feel the thrill of killing wolves as he tries to venture deeper into the forest.
People that saw him fight are envious of him as he walks away.