At twelve years old, Noah Gray had come far since his earlier days of cautious practice and experimentation. His psychokinesis had grown into a powerful tool—an extension of himself. Now, not only could he move objects with precision, but he could also sense lifeforms in his vicinity and even defy gravity to fly short distances. Alongside honing his abilities, Noah continued to visit his father's blacksmith shop, fascinated by the intricate process of crafting weapons and imbuing them with runes.
Runes, as his father explained, were the cornerstone of magical weaponry. Each rune acted as a conduit for mana, enhancing the weapon's capabilities. However, engraving runes required delicate precision and deep knowledge; a single misstep could render the weapon useless—or worse, unstable. Noah watched carefully, absorbing every detail as his father worked, his respect for the craft deepening with every visit.
Outside his father's shop, Noah learned more about the city of Reshan and its surroundings. One place, in particular, intrigued him—the Hargrave Forest. Located on the city's outskirts, it was known for being a habitat for low-level magical beasts. While the inner parts of the forest were home to dangerous creatures, the outer regions were said to contain weaker beasts—ideal for someone like Noah who sought experience.
Noah knew the risks of venturing into the forest but also understood the necessity. He was acutely aware of the dangers this world held—future invasions, wars, and villains—as foretold by the novel he had once read. Combat experience was not a luxury but a requirement if he hoped to survive. Thus, armed with his abilities and a small collection of weapons he borrowed from his father's shop, Noah made his way to the forest in secret.
The air in Hargrave Forest was heavy and unsettling, as if warning intruders to turn back. Towering trees loomed above him, their branches intertwining to create a canopy that filtered the sunlight into eerie patches on the ground. Despite the oppressive atmosphere, Noah pushed forward, his psychokinesis allowing him to sense life forms within his surroundings.
He felt it before he saw it: three beings ahead, small and humanoid. At four feet tall, they matched the descriptions of goblins from the books he had read. Goblins were among the weakest of monsters, lacking intelligence and raw power. But Noah remained cautious—mutations such as hobgoblins or shamans were known to pose a significant threat.
Noah crept closer, his heart pounding in anticipation. He steadied his breathing, recalling the countless hours he had spent honing his abilities. This was it—his first battle. Summoning his courage, he activated his psychokinesis, lifting the daggers he carried into the air.
With a flick of his mind, the blades shot forward. The goblins didn't have time to react; the daggers pierced their hearts, dropping them instantly. For a moment, Noah stood frozen, staring at the fallen bodies. He felt a strange mix of exhilaration and unease—this was his first time taking a life. But the realization struck him like a thunderclap: hesitation had no place in this world. To survive, he had to fight.
As he ventured deeper into the forest, Noah encountered other weak creatures. Slimes oozed along the forest floor, their gelatinous forms no match for his blades. He dispatched them easily, their deaths reinforcing his growing confidence.
Then he sensed a larger group—a dozen beings moving together. Noah approached cautiously, his ability allowing him to pick up their distinct shapes and movements. As they came into view, he recognized them as kobolds, humanoid lizard-like creatures standing less than three feet tall. While individually weak, their numbers made them a greater threat.
Noah planned his attack carefully. Hovering multiple blades in the air, he launched the first wave, taking down three kobolds instantly. The others turned, hissing and screeching in anger. They charged at him, their crude weapons glinting in the dim forest light.
His enhanced senses and reflexes kicked in. With practiced movements, Noah dodged their attacks, countering with swift strikes. His daggers pierced their scaly hides, and his psychokinesis sent them flying into nearby trees with bone-crushing force. One by one, the kobolds fell, their numbers thinning until none remained.
Panting, Noah surveyed the scene. The battle had taken more out of him than he expected, but it was worth it. He had proven to himself that he could face the dangers of this world—and win.
As he made his way out of the forest, Noah couldn't help but reflect on his progress. His psychokinesis had grown far beyond what he once thought possible, and his combat abilities were steadily improving. But this was only the beginning. The challenges ahead would be far greater, and he needed to be ready.