A week had passed since Ray had first stepped into Strongforge, and the days had blurred together in a haze of intense labor and relentless focus. The blacksmith shop had become his world, and under Thorin's watchful eye, Ray had spent every waking hour honing his craft. Each day was a lesson, each moment an opportunity to grow stronger.
Ray stood at the forge, his hands moving with the confidence of a seasoned smith. The heat from the flames washed over him, a familiar sensation now. His fire magic skill had become second nature, the ability to control and manipulate the flames with precision growing with every use. He glanced at the Aurora System interface floating before him, noting the progress.
[Fire Manipulation [20/100] EXP]
[Blacksmithing [80/100] EXP]
Ray smiled to himself, satisfied with his progress. "EXP is gained by the constant use of skills," he murmured, recalling what he had learned over the past week. The fire skill had grown slowly, its use mainly limited to heating metal for repairs and forging. But the blacksmith skill… that had skyrocketed. Every hammer strike, every fold of the metal, every infusion of aura—all of it contributed to his growth.
It wasn't just the repetitive motions that fueled his advancement. Thorin had taught him something valuable, something Ray hadn't fully appreciated in his past life as a blacksmith. "A smith's growth isn't limited to their own work," Thorin had explained one evening as they sat by the forge, the flames casting long shadows on the walls. "When others use weapons you've crafted, when they wield your creations in battle, you grow too. Their victories, their struggles—they all feed back into you. It's a connection between the creator and the weapon, and through it, you gain experience."
This revelation had opened Ray's eyes. In his previous life, he had never paid much attention to the weapons he made once they left his hands. Now, he understood that his skills could grow even when he wasn't at the forge. The weapons he had repaired and improved over the week would soon be in the hands of hunters, and their actions would contribute to his growth.
But now that the week was over, it was time to face the challenges that lay ahead. The hunter rank examination was at the end of the week, and Ray knew he needed to sharpen his combat skills. Blacksmithing had given him an edge, but it was only a part of the equation. To survive and succeed, he needed to fight.
Ray finished his last task of the day, wiping the sweat from his brow as he set the newly forged sword aside. He had already packed his gear, ready for the hunt. With a nod of thanks to Thorin, he left the blacksmith shop and made his way to the Hunter Association.
The association building was bustling with activity, as always. Hunters of all ranks moved through the halls, discussing missions, trading information, or simply relaxing after a day's work. Ray moved with purpose, his temporary hunter license in hand as he made his way to the lower levels, where the hunter subway awaited.
The subway station beneath the Hunter Association was a marvel of engineering. The platform stretched far into the distance, lined with sleek, metallic rails that glimmered under the artificial lights. And there, at the center of it all, was the train.
It wasn't just any train. The design was inspired by the world before the Rifts, modeled after the bullet trains that once sped across the world. But this was something more. Its body was a seamless fusion of black and silver, the polished surface reflecting the light in a way that made it seem almost ethereal. The front of the train was pointed, sharp as a blade, designed to slice through the air with minimal resistance. Along its sides, intricate engravings glowed faintly, pulsing with an energy that hinted at the power within.
As Ray approached, he noticed something even more extraordinary—a trail of shimmering, magical vapor emanating from the train's rear. The vapor wasn't just an aftereffect of its motion; it was a byproduct of the arcane engines that powered the train. These engines were fueled by mana crystals, their energy distilled and converted into propulsion, leaving behind a glittering mist that hung in the air like a veil of stars. The vapor twisted and curled, forming complex patterns that seemed to dance and shift with the train's movements, creating an almost hypnotic effect.
Ray scanned his temporary hunter license at the terminal, a soft chime confirming his identity. The interface before him flickered to life, displaying a detailed map of all the rifts available for exploration. Each rift was marked with its rank, location, and a brief description of the dangers within. Ray's eyes moved quickly over the options, searching for the right one.
After a moment, he found what he was looking for. A low-level rift, suitable for someone of his current abilities but challenging enough to push him to his limits. With a tap on the screen, he selected the rift, and the machine whirred to life, printing a ticket with the details of his destination.
Ticket in hand, Ray approached the train and stepped inside. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with seats lined in a dark, sleek material that was both comfortable and durable. The walls were adorned with more of the glowing engravings, their soft light creating a calming atmosphere. He found a seat near the front and settled in, his heart beginning to race with anticipation.
A soft, mechanical voice echoed through the train. "Please be seated. The train will begin moving shortly."
Ray felt a slight vibration beneath his feet as the train prepared for departure. Plates around the train's base began to hum with energy, and he knew what was coming next. The technology behind the train was a fusion of old and new, using powerful electromagnets to lift the train off the rails, eliminating friction and allowing for supersonic speeds. The sensation of the train being lifted was subtle but unmistakable, a gentle rise that left Ray feeling almost weightless for a moment.
Then, with a surge of power, the train began to move.
The acceleration was instant and overwhelming, pressing Ray back into his seat as the train shot forward like a bullet from a gun. The world outside the windows became a blur, the lights of the underground tunnels streaking past in a continuous stream of color. The train's speed increased rapidly, breaking the sound barrier with ease as it raced through the Nova Citadel's extensive subway network.
As it reached its full velocity, the magical vapor trails intensified, streaming behind the train in radiant arcs. The vapor shimmered with the colors of the aurora, each hue shifting and blending as it dispersed into the air. It was as if the train itself was tearing through the fabric of reality, leaving behind traces of its journey for the world to see. The vapor trails twisted into spirals and loops, their luminescent glow illuminating the dark tunnels and casting eerie, beautiful reflections on the train's polished surface.
Ray could feel the raw power of the train, a force of technology and magic combined, propelling him toward his destination with unparalleled speed. The sensation was exhilarating, a reminder of the advanced civilization that had once existed and the remnants that still powered this new world. The train's movement was smooth, almost impossibly so, the technology keeping it stable despite the incredible velocity.
As the train hurtled through the city, Ray's thoughts turned to the rift he had chosen. The rift was located in one of the outer sectors of the Nova Citadel, a place known as the "Training Grounds." It was a network of caverns and tunnels, filled with monsters that had been captured by the association. It was the perfect place to test his skills, to see how far he had come and how much further he had to go.
The train continued its journey, moving with such speed and precision that it felt as though the very fabric of space was bending around it. Ray could see the path ahead, a blur of light and shadow as the train raced toward its destination.
The voice spoke again, announcing their approach to the destination. Ray tightened his grip on the armrest, ready for what lay ahead. The Echoing Abyss awaited him, and with it, the next step in his journey to becoming the hunter he needed to be.
Ray Everlight stepped off the train, the faint hum of the arcane engines fading into the distance as the magical vapor trails dispersed into the air. The platform was deserted, a silent testament to the otherworldliness of this place. He took a moment to breathe in the cool, crisp air before walking toward the only exit—a narrow passageway carved into the rock.
The passageway was dimly lit, with torches mounted on the walls, their flickering flames casting long shadows that danced with every step Ray took. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and old stone, the kind of smell that clung to the walls of ancient places long forgotten by time. As he walked, the sound of his footsteps echoed softly, a rhythmic cadence that matched the beating of his heart.
At the end of the passageway, Ray found himself facing a large stone wall. It was an imposing structure, the surface smooth and unblemished, save for the faint outline of runes etched into the stone. Without hesitation, Ray placed his palm against the wall. The stone was cool to the touch, but as soon as his skin made contact, the runes began to glow with a soft, blue light. The light spread across the wall, illuminating the ancient symbols one by one, until the entire surface was aglow.
With a low rumble, the stone wall began to shift. The runes pulsed, the light growing brighter as the stone seemed to dissolve before his eyes. The wall split open, the two halves sliding apart to reveal a doorway just wide enough for Ray to pass through. He stepped inside, the door closing behind him with a finality that left no room for hesitation.
The staircase before him spiraled upward, each step worn smooth by the passage of countless feet. Ray ascended, his footsteps steady and sure, until he emerged into the Hunter Training Ground. The space was vast, with towering stone walls that enclosed the area, creating a sense of isolation from the outside world. It was a place designed for one purpose: to test hunters and push them to their limits.
A member of the staff stood near the entrance, a stern-looking man with a clipboard in hand. Ray approached him and handed over his temporary hunter license. The man glanced at the card, then at Ray, before making a note on the clipboard.
"Ray Everlight – rank F," the man said, his voice monotone. "You can enter the hunting ground for a total of one hour."
Ray nodded in acknowledgment, taking back his license. The staff member stepped aside, allowing Ray to pass through the gate and into the hunting ground.
He walked with purpose, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his side. The weapon was nothing special, a simple iron blade with a well-worn grip. It lacked the intricate engravings and magical enhancements of higher-tier gear, but it was sharp and reliable—everything he needed for the task ahead. Ray's clothing was equally modest: a plain tunic, sturdy pants, and boots that had seen better days. There was no armor to protect him from the monsters he would face, only his skill and experience.
The hunting ground was a massive forest, the trees towering overhead with thick, gnarled roots that twisted across the forest floor. The canopy was dense, with only slivers of sunlight piercing through the leaves, casting dappled patterns of light and shadow. The air was cool and damp, filled with the scent of moss and earth, while the distant sound of rustling leaves and chirping insects created an atmosphere of tranquility that belied the dangers lurking within.
Ray walked for five minutes, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. The forest seemed peaceful, almost serene, but he knew better than to let his guard down. Every step was taken with caution, his senses alert to the slightest change in his environment.
It wasn't long before he encountered his first target.
A goblin.
The creature was small, barely reaching up to Ray's waist, with skin the color of sickly green moss. Its body was wiry, muscles tensed beneath its leathery skin, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent red light. Red tribal runes were etched into its flesh, marking it as part of a savage clan. The goblin's jagged teeth were bared in a snarl, and in its hand, it clutched a crude dagger made of bone, its edge chipped and stained with old blood.
Ray smirked, drawing his sword with a swift motion. The goblin hissed, brandishing its dagger as it prepared to attack. There was no hesitation, no fear in its movements—only the primal instinct to kill.
Ray's stance shifted, his feet planting firmly on the ground as he raised his sword. The goblin lunged forward, its dagger aimed at Ray's midsection. Ray sidestepped the attack with fluid grace, his sword cutting through the air in a precise arc. The blade struck the goblin's side, slicing through its flesh with a sickening squelch.
[Goblin HP: 14/20]
The goblin shrieked in pain but didn't relent. It swung its dagger wildly, trying to catch Ray off guard. But Ray was faster, his movements controlled and deliberate. He parried the goblin's frantic strikes with ease, each clash of metal on bone echoing through the forest. His sword flicked out, catching the goblin's arm and severing its tendons.
[Goblin HP: 8/20]
The goblin's dagger fell from its grasp, clattering to the ground as it stumbled back, clutching its wounded arm. Ray didn't give it a chance to recover. He stepped forward, his sword a blur of motion as he drove the blade into the goblin's chest, piercing its heart. The goblin gasped, its red eyes wide with shock, before the light in them faded to nothing.
The goblin's body convulsed, its limbs twitching as the life drained from it. Then, something strange began to happen. The vibrant green of its skin started to fade, replaced by a dull gray as the flesh seemed to decay before Ray's eyes. The tribal runes lost their color, turning into ashen scars that crumbled away. The goblin's body heated up, its flesh drying and cracking as if consumed by an invisible fire. Within moments, the once-living creature had turned into a pile of brittle dust, carried away by the wind.
[Blacksmith skill has gained 5 EXP for killing a monster.]
As the last of the goblin's remains vanished, something glinted on the ground where the creature had fallen. Ray crouched down, picking up a small, colorless core that had been left behind. It was smooth and cool to the touch, a faint light pulsing within it. Beside it lay the goblin's crude dagger, still stained with the creature's blood.
Suddenly, a notification flashed before Ray's eyes, the familiar interface of the Aurora System appearing in his vision.
[Hidden mission complete]
[Kill Goblin – complete – reward: Small storage bracelet]
[Would you like to equip? Yes/No]
Ray didn't hesitate. "Yes."
The system responded instantly, and Ray felt a strange sensation around his left arm. A soft light enveloped his wrist, solidifying into a thin, silver bracelet. The bracelet was unadorned, save for a small, circular gem embedded in the center. The gem glowed faintly, and Ray could sense the power within it—a storage space, capable of holding up to 20 items.
[Small Storage Bracelet]
[Storage Capacity: 0/20]
Ray watched as the core and dagger in his hand began to glow, their forms breaking apart into tiny particles of light. The particles swirled around him before being absorbed into the gem on the bracelet, stored away in the magical space within.
[Storage: 2/20]
Ray stood, flexing his fingers as he adjusted to the new weight on his wrist. It was a useful tool, one that would save him the burden of carrying too much equipment during his hunts. He was about to continue when he heard the sound of rustling bushes nearby. His hand tightened around the hilt of his sword, eyes narrowing as he scanned the area.
From the underbrush emerged three more goblins, each one identical to the first. Their red eyes gleamed with murderous intent as they spotted Ray, their snarls filling the air. Unlike the first goblin, these three were more coordinated, moving together as a unit. Ray knew that he would need to be on his guard.
He smirked, raising his sword as he ignited his aura. The blade hummed with power, a faint blue glow surrounding the iron as his energy infused the weapon. The goblins hesitated for a moment, sensing the increase in Ray's strength, but their hesitation was brief. With a chorus of shrieks, they charged at him.
Ray moved first, lunging forward with a speed that caught the goblins off guard. His sword cleaved through the air, striking the nearest goblin before it could react. The blade cut deep into the creature's torso, the aura-enhanced edge slicing through bone and muscle with ease.
[Goblin HP: 14/20]
[Goblin HP: 8/20]
The goblin fell, blood pouring from the wound, but Ray didn't stop. He spun on his heel, using the momentum to swing his sword in a wide arc. The second goblin, still in mid-charge, didn't have time to dodge. The blade caught it across the neck, severing its head cleanly. The goblin's body crumpled to the ground, its head rolling a few feet away before coming to a stop, its lifeless eyes staring blankly at the sky.
[Goblin HP: 0/20]
[Goblin HP: 0/20]
Blood sprayed from the severed neck, the metallic scent filling the air as Ray turned his attention to the final goblin. The third goblin, having witnessed the brutal end of its companions, hesitated. Fear flickered in its red eyes, but it was too late to retreat. Ray was already on the move.
The goblin tried to dodge, but Ray was faster. He darted forward, his sword arcing toward the goblin's midsection. At the last second, the goblin twisted its body, avoiding a lethal blow, but the sword still caught its arm, cutting deep into the flesh.
[Goblin HP: 14/20]
The goblin howled in pain, its free hand clutching the wound as dark blood oozed between its fingers. Desperation fueled its next move. With a feral snarl, it lunged at Ray, aiming its dagger at his throat. Ray sidestepped the attack, his sword flashing as he brought it down on the goblin's extended arm, severing it at the elbow.
The goblin screamed, stumbling back as its severed limb hit the ground with a wet thud. Ray didn't give it a chance to recover. He stepped forward, driving his sword into the goblin's chest, piercing its heart. The goblin gasped, its eyes wide with terror, before the life drained from them.
[Goblin HP: 0/20]
The goblin's body convulsed, its skin turning an ashen gray as it began to decay, just like the first one. The vibrant color drained from its flesh, leaving behind a lifeless husk that crumbled into dust. Ray watched as the remains were carried away by the wind, leaving nothing but a small, colorless core behind.
[Blacksmith skill has gained 5 EXP x 3]
[Blacksmith skill has leveled up]
[Blacksmith Level 2 - The user can create higher-quality metal items, including enhanced tools and weapons with increased durability and effectiveness.
(MP Cost: 10, Cooldown: 30 seconds, Probability: 95%)]
Ray picked up the core, feeling its smooth surface between his fingers before it, too, was absorbed into the storage bracelet. He glanced around at the three spots where the goblins had fallen, but there were no weapons left behind—just as he had expected. Goblin weapons were rare drops, and he hadn't been lucky enough to find one this time.
"No weapons, but I've got three more cores," Ray muttered to himself, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips. He glanced at his phone, the screen lighting up to show the time. Only ten minutes had passed since he had entered the hunting ground, which meant he still had fifty minutes left to hunt.
Ray sheathed his sword and began to walk deeper into the forest. The air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage, the canopy overhead filtering the sunlight into soft beams that illuminated the forest floor. He moved with purpose, his senses on high alert as he searched for more prey.
It didn't take long for him to encounter another group of goblins. This time, there were five of them, gathered around what looked like the remains of a deer. The goblins were feasting, their sharp teeth tearing into the flesh of the dead animal, their eyes glowing with hunger.
Ray didn't wait for them to notice him. He drew his sword, igniting his aura once more as he charged into their midst. The goblins were caught off guard, their attention focused on their meal, and Ray took full advantage of the situation.
His first strike was swift and deadly, his sword cleaving through the neck of the nearest goblin, severing its head from its body. The other goblins recoiled in shock, but Ray was already moving on to the next target. He spun on his heel, bringing his sword down in a powerful overhead slash that split another goblin's skull in two.
[Goblin HP: 0/20]
[Goblin HP: 0/20]
The remaining three goblins snarled in anger, abandoning their meal as they lunged at Ray. He met their attack head-on, his sword a blur of motion as he parried their strikes. The first goblin's dagger clashed against his blade, but Ray twisted his wrist, deflecting the attack and delivering a swift kick to the goblin's chest. The force of the blow sent the goblin crashing into a nearby tree, where it lay dazed.
The second goblin managed to land a glancing blow on Ray's arm, but the cut was shallow, barely breaking the skin. Ray ignored the pain, focusing on the third goblin, which was circling around to attack him from behind. He waited until the last possible moment, then spun around, his sword slashing across the goblin's midsection.
[Goblin HP: 0/20]
The goblin's intestines spilled out, its shriek of agony cut short as Ray's sword pierced its heart. He pulled the blade free, blood splattering the ground as the goblin's body collapsed.
The last two goblins were badly injured, their movements sluggish and uncoordinated. Ray didn't waste any time. He finished off the dazed goblin with a quick stab to the throat, then turned to the final goblin, which was struggling to stand. Ray approached it slowly, his sword at the ready.
The goblin's red eyes met his, filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. It let out a final, desperate scream and charged at him, but Ray sidestepped the attack with ease. He brought his sword down in a clean, decisive strike, severing the goblin's head from its body.
[Blacksmith skill has gained 5 EXP x 5]
Ray stood in the midst of the carnage, his chest rising and falling with each breath. The forest was silent once more, the only sound the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze. He looked down at the five colorless cores scattered around him, their faint glow the only remnants of the goblins he had slain.
He crouched down, picking up each core and storing them in his bracelet. The gem embedded in the bracelet pulsed with light as it absorbed the cores, storing them safely within its magical space.
[Storage: 7/20]
Ray glanced at his phone again. Another ten minutes had passed, leaving him with forty minutes to continue his hunt. He sheathed his sword and began to move deeper into the forest, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement.
As he walked, he encountered more goblins, each battle a blur of steel and blood. He fought with precision and efficiency, dispatching his enemies with calculated strikes. The goblins were no match for him, their attacks predictable and clumsy compared to his trained reflexes. Each kill was marked by the same process—the goblin's body decaying into dust, leaving behind a colorless core that Ray stored in his bracelet.
Twenty minutes later, Ray had slain a total of fifteen goblins. His body was covered in a sheen of sweat, his muscles aching from the exertion, but he was far from finished. The thrill of the hunt drove him forward, his desire to grow stronger fueling his every move.
With only twenty minutes left on the clock, Ray encountered the final group of goblins. There were five of them, but these were different from the others. They were larger, their muscles more defined, and their eyes burned with a fiercer intensity. Ray could tell that these goblins were stronger, more experienced in battle.
But that only made the challenge more enticing.
Ray drew his sword, the aura flaring around the blade as he prepared to face the goblins. They charged at him with a coordinated attack, their movements synchronized in a way that suggested they were more than just mindless beasts. Ray met them head-on, his sword clashing against their crude weapons in a symphony of steel.
The first goblin swung a club at Ray's head, but he ducked under the blow, driving his sword into the goblin's side. The second goblin came at him with a spear, but Ray twisted his body, narrowly avoiding the strike before delivering a powerful slash that severed the goblin's arm.
The third goblin tried to flank him, but Ray was ready. He spun on his heel, his sword flashing as it cut through the goblin's leg, bringing it crashing to the ground. The fourth goblin managed to land a glancing blow on Ray's shoulder, but he shrugged off the pain, retaliating with a swift stab to the goblin's chest.
The final goblin, the largest of the group, was the most formidable. It wielded a massive axe, its muscles bulging as it brought the weapon down with a force that would have shattered bones. But Ray was faster. He sidestepped the attack, his sword arcing upward in a deadly strike that caught the goblin under the chin, severing its head in one clean motion.
[Blacksmith skill has gained 5 EXP x 5]
Ray stood amidst the carnage, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he surveyed the battlefield. The forest floor was littered with the remains of his enemies, their bodies slowly disintegrating into dust. He wiped the blood from his sword, sheathing the blade as he collected the last of the colorless cores.
[Storage: 20/20]
He checked his phone one last time. The hour was almost up, and it was time to leave the hunting ground. Ray felt a sense of accomplishment as he turned and began making his way back through the forest. The thick canopy above cast shadows on the forest floor, but Ray navigated the terrain with ease, his senses still alert despite the fatigue that tugged at his limbs. Ray retuned to the hunting ground entrance witnessing the bustling activity of the training grounds greeted him. Hunters of all ranks were milling about, some chatting in groups while others honed their skills at the various training stations. Ray's presence went largely unnoticed as he approached the sign-in desk where the same staff member from earlier was stationed.
"Ray Everlight—rank F," he stated, the staff member glancing up and nodding in acknowledgment.
"You were out there for exactly one hour," the staff member confirmed, checking the time on the terminal. "Did you have a productive session?"
Ray simply nodded in response. He wasn't one to boast about his accomplishments, especially not in front of those who might underestimate him based on his rank. The staff member gave a small, understanding smile and handed Ray a piece of paper.
"Make sure to report any findings or incidents to the debrief office," the staff member said as Ray took the paper. "Stay safe out there."
Ray thanked the staff member and walked away, heading towards the exit that would take him out of the training grounds. As he passed through the gate, the sounds of the bustling grounds faded behind him, replaced by the quiet hum of the city beyond.
The sky had begun to darken, the first hints of twilight painting the horizon in shades of orange and pink. Ray made his way through the winding streets, his thoughts lingering on the battles he had fought. The goblins had been relatively easy prey, but he knew that more formidable foes awaited him in the future. With each encounter, he felt himself growing stronger, honing his skills in preparation for the challenges ahead.
When Ray finally reached his small apartment, he felt the weight of exhaustion settle over him. The familiar space was sparse and functional, with only the essentials needed for daily life. He placed his sword carefully on the stand by the door, the blade still gleaming with the faint traces of aura.
As he sat down on the edge of his bed, he glanced at the bracelet on his left wrist. The small storage bracelet, a reward for completing the hidden mission, was a simple yet invaluable tool. He had already used it to store the colorless cores, but there was still space left for more items. The bracelet's surface was smooth, with intricate patterns etched into the metal that seemed to shift in the light.
[Small Storage Bracelet]
[Storage: 20/20]
Ray extended his hand, focusing on the bracelet. The gem embedded in the center glowed faintly, and with a thought, he summoned one of the colorless cores from within. The core appeared in his palm, its surface dull and unimpressive compared to the vibrant gemstones he had seen before. Still, Ray knew that these cores held potential, even if they weren't as valuable as the more colorful variants.
He turned the core over in his hand, studying it for a moment before returning it to the bracelet's storage. The gem pulsed softly as it absorbed the core once more, the light fading as the item was safely tucked away.
Ray leaned back on his bed, his thoughts drifting as he reflected on the day's events. He had made progress, but there was still a long way to go before he reached his true potential. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but Ray was determined to face whatever challenges lay in his path. With the power of his skills, his growing strength, and the unwavering resolve that burned within him, he knew that he could overcome any obstacle.
As he closed his eyes, the image of the goblins he had slain flashed in his mind. The thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of victory, and the relentless pursuit of power—it all fueled the fire that drove him forward. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new opportunities to grow, and Ray was ready to face them head-on.
With that final thought, Ray allowed himself to drift off to sleep, his body finally succumbing to the exhaustion of the day. The darkness of the night wrapped around him, offering a brief respite before the next battle began.
[Blacksmith Skill EXP: 80/200]
[Flame Skill EXP: 20/100]