Four years later...
Ash's journey from a novice to a skilled swordsman had been nothing short of relentless. Every day, from early afternoon until dusk, he trained, honing his technique with the same obsession he once held for mastering the virtual worlds of his past life. His movements were precise now, his footwork sharp, but despite his progress, a wall loomed before him: the barrier between [Beginner Swordsmanship Level 9] and [Intermediate Swordsmanship Level 1].
Since the memories from his past life were still not fully recovered, he could not remember the way to get into the [Intermediate Swordsmanship Level 1], no matter how hard he tried to remember.
It was an invisible block, one he couldn't seem to overcome no matter how many hours he poured into practice. The sword felt different now, almost as if it resisted his commands at crucial moments. The fluidity he once experienced was replaced by a dull sluggishness. Something was missing—an insight, a revelation, something that would push him to the next level. But it eluded him, leaving him in a perpetual state of frustration.
Ash began disappearing into the forest more frequently, seeking solitude and answers in the quiet wilderness. But he wasn't alone in his struggles. Elena, who had grown into a formidable swordswoman herself, noticed his absences. Despite their bond, he hadn't confided in her, and her concern only grew with time.
One day, unable to bear the secrecy any longer, she decided to follow him.
*****
Deep within the Crystal Village Forest, the trees loomed like a dark cathedral around them, the air thick with the scent of pine, wet earth, and the lingering metallic tang of blood. Ash stood beside Elena, the weight of the recent battle still heavy on his shoulders. The colossal bear lay motionless at their feet, its massive form casting an eerie shadow over the forest floor. Rays of light filtered through the canopy above, painting everything in fractured gold.
Ash's heart was still pounding in his chest, his breath shallow and uneven. He wiped the sweat from his brow, the realization of what had just happened sinking in. If Elena hadn't shown up when she did, he would have been lying there instead of the bear.
"You're reckless," Elena said, her voice still sharp with lingering anger as she stared at the dead beast. Her grip on her scabbard was tight, knuckles white. She turned to face Ash, her sapphire eyes flashing with a mixture of fury and concern. "I can't believe you took on something like that alone. What were you thinking?"
Ash looked down at the ground, his fingers still curled around the hilt of her sword, the blade stained with the bear's blood. He didn't have an answer—not one that would justify his actions. He had been chasing something intangible for months, hoping that if he pushed himself hard enough, the wall between him and the next level would break. But it never did.
"I wasn't thinking," Ash admitted quietly, his voice strained. "I thought… I thought this would be the fight that would push me over the edge. That I'd finally break through."
Elena sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly as she sheathed her sword. Her expression softened, though the anger didn't fully leave her eyes. "You almost got yourself killed. What good is breaking through if you're dead?"
Ash's grip tightened on the sword, his frustration bubbling to the surface again. "I've been stuck for months, Elena. No matter how hard I train, I'm still at the same level. I thought this bear—this fight—would be the answer. But it wasn't."
He stared at the sword in his hand. Elena's sword had felt so different, as if it responded to his every thought. His movements with it had been fluid, almost instinctual. It was the first time in months that he had felt that kind of connection with a weapon.
Elena watched him closely, her eyes narrowing as if she could see the battle raging inside him. "Ash, leveling up isn't just about skill or brute force. You know that. Maybe there's something else you need to face—something you're not seeing."
He looked at her, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You think I don't know that? I've gone through everything in my head a thousand times. I just… I can't figure out what it is."
Elena shook her head, stepping closer to him, her tone gentler now. "Maybe you're too focused on trying to break the wall instead of understanding why it's there in the first place."
Ash opened his mouth to respond, but the words stuck in his throat. She wasn't wrong, but hearing it out loud made the weight of it feel even heavier. He had been so consumed by the idea of reaching the next level, so desperate to break through, that he hadn't stopped to think about what was really holding him back.
Elena glanced at the dead bear, her gaze hardening once more. "We need to get back to the village. It's getting late, and I don't want to be here if more of these things are around."
Ash nodded, though his mind was still clouded with thoughts of failure. He bent down, wiping Elena's sword clean on the grass before handing it back to her. She took it, her fingers brushing against his for a brief moment—a silent reassurance.
"Let's go," she said, turning toward the path that led out of the clearing. "We can talk about this later."
Ash followed her, his steps heavy, the weight of his frustrations trailing behind him like a shadow. While they walked through the dense forest, the sky began to fade into twilight. The air grew colder, and the sounds of the forest—birds chirping, leaves rustling—began to quiet, replaced by the eerie stillness of nightfall. The towering trees around them felt like silent sentinels, watching their every move.
Elena walked ahead, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, ever vigilant. Ash trailed slightly behind her, his thoughts still swirling. His body ached from the battle, but it was the mental exhaustion that weighed him down the most.
"You've been disappearing a lot lately," Elena's voice broke the silence, her tone neutral but probing. "What's going on with you, Ash? You've been different… more distant."
Ash hesitated, not sure how to explain the gnawing frustration that had taken hold of him over the past few months. He had always been focused, driven, but this—this wall—was something else. It had become an obsession, one that consumed every waking thought.
"I've been… training," he finally said, though it felt like a weak answer.
Elena glanced over her shoulder, one eyebrow raised. "In the forest? Alone? Fighting bears?"
"I just needed to be away from everyone," Ash admitted, running a hand through his messy black hair. "I thought maybe if I pushed myself harder, I could find the answer. But it's like I'm chasing something I can't reach."
Elena stopped, turning to face him fully. Her expression was serious, her eyes searching his face for something deeper. "Ash, you don't have to do this alone. Whatever it is you're trying to figure out, you can talk to me. You don't have to carry it all on your own."
Ash looked away, his chest tightening. He wanted to tell her everything—the frustration, the self-doubt, the fear that he would never break through. But there was something else, something even he didn't fully understand. It was like a shadow lurking at the edges of his mind, just out of reach.
"I'm not sure how to explain it," he said quietly. "I just… feel stuck. No matter how hard I try, I can't move forward."
Elena's expression softened, and she stepped closer, her voice gentle. "Maybe you're trying to move too fast. Sometimes, the harder you push, the more stuck you get."
Ash frowned, her words striking a chord within him. He had always been the type to charge ahead, to tackle obstacles head-on. But maybe that was the problem. Maybe he was too focused on the destination and not on what he was supposed to learn along the way.
"I don't know," Ash said, his voice tinged with frustration. "It feels like I'm missing something. Something important."
Elena smiled faintly, her eyes filled with understanding. "Maybe you are. But you won't find it by isolating yourself and fighting bears in the middle of the forest."
Ash chuckled despite himself, shaking his head. "Yeah, I guess that was a bit extreme."
"A bit?" Elena raised an eyebrow. "It was suicidal. Next time, just ask for help. We'll figure it out together."
Ash nodded, though a part of him still felt uneasy. He appreciated Elena's support—he always had—but this felt like something he had to face on his own. Still, her words gave him some comfort, a reminder that he wasn't entirely alone in his struggle.
Continuing their walk through the forest, the path ahead grew darker, the trees casting long shadows across the ground. The village was still a ways off, but they could see the faint glow of lights in the distance.
Suddenly, Elena paused, her hand instinctively going to her sword.
"What is it?" Ash asked, his own senses heightening at her reaction.
"I heard something," she whispered, her voice tense. "We're not alone."
Ash's heart raced, his hand gripping the hilt of his broken sword. He strained his ears, trying to pick up on whatever had set Elena off. At first, there was nothing—just the quiet rustle of the trees. But then, faintly, he heard it—a low growl, deep and menacing, coming from the darkness.
"Elena…" Ash began, but she was already moving.
In one swift motion, she drew her sword, her stance poised and ready for battle. Ash followed suit, though his broken blade felt like little more than a club in his hand.
From the shadows, two pairs of glowing eyes emerged, their forms hidden by the underbrush. Ash's pulse quickened as the creatures stepped into the light—massive wolves, their fur dark as night, their eyes burning with an unnatural red glow.
"Inferno Wolves," Elena muttered, her jaw set. "Of course."
Ash swallowed hard, remembering the stories his father had told him as a child. Inferno Wolves were rare, dangerous creatures, known for their intelligence and their deadly control over fire. If these wolves were here, it meant they were hunting—and they had just found their prey.
"Elena, we need to—"
Before he could finish, the first wolf lunged, its claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed.
Ash barely had time to react. The first wolf's claws sliced through the air where he had been standing a moment before. He dodged, rolling to the side, his body moving on instinct. Elena was already in motion, her sword flashing in the dim light as she met the second wolf's charge head-on.
Sparks flew as Elena's blade met the second wolf's claws with a sharp *clang*, the force of the impact reverberating through the forest. The wolf snarled, its glowing red eyes locked onto her as it pushed forward with raw, terrifying strength. Elena slid back slightly, digging her heels into the dirt to hold her ground, her muscles tensing as she adjusted her stance.
"Elena!" Ash shouted, gripping his broken sword tightly. He scanned the clearing, his mind racing, but his weapon was useless in this fight. The other wolf circled them slowly, its predatory gaze flicking between him and Elena, as if waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The wolves were unlike anything Ash had seen before. Their dark fur was streaked with glowing embers, faint trails of smoke rising from their bodies. They seemed to radiate heat, and Ash could feel the temperature rising as they moved closer. The air around them shimmered as if the very atmosphere was bending under the pressure of their presence.
Elena's sword flashed again as the wolf in front of her lunged. She sidestepped the attack with precise footwork, bringing her blade down in a swift arc. The edge of her sword met fur and muscle, cutting deep into the wolf's flank. It howled in pain, a spray of fiery blood splattering the ground, but it didn't slow. Instead, it snapped its jaws at her, embers flying from its mouth as it growled, the scent of sulfur filling the air.
"Get back!" she shouted to Ash, her voice strained as she deflected another swipe from the wolf's deadly claws. "These things aren't normal wolves—they're smarter. They're toying with us!"
Ash's mind raced. Elena was right—the wolves weren't attacking in a frenzy; they were coordinating, testing their defenses. His broken sword wouldn't be enough. He needed something else, some way to help.
The second wolf lunged towards Ash, its massive form a blur of shadow and flame. Ash ducked low, narrowly avoiding its snapping jaws. It sailed over him, landing with a thud behind him. He turned just in time to see it whip around, its molten eyes blazing with malice as it prepared to strike again.
Ash could feel the heat emanating from the creature, the very air around it crackling with energy. He had fought monsters before, both in this world and the virtual one he had once known, but nothing like this. These wolves weren't just mindless beasts—they were something far more dangerous.
"Elena!" Ash called, desperation creeping into his voice. "I need your sword again!"
Elena's attention snapped toward him, but she was locked in a fierce struggle with her own opponent. Her sword slashed through the air in rapid, precise strikes, each one designed to fend off the wolf's relentless attacks, but she couldn't spare a moment to toss her weapon.
"Use your head, Ash!" she yelled between strikes, sweat glistening on her brow. "Look around—improvise!"
Ash's heart raced, panic clawing at his mind. He couldn't just stand there. His gaze darted around the clearing, searching for anything that could help. His eyes landed on a nearby fallen tree, its branches twisted and thick, but more importantly, its bark looked dry—bone dry.
An idea flashed through his mind. He didn't have a proper sword, but maybe—just maybe—it didn't matter.
The wolf circled him again, but Ash dashed towards the tree. He could hear the creature's low growl behind him, feel the heat of its breath as it chased him. His broken sword still clutched in one hand, he grabbed a thick, jagged branch with the other, ripping it free from the trunk.
The wolf lunged just as Ash spun around. He swung the branch with all his might, catching the wolf across the snout. It yelped in surprise, stumbling back from the unexpected blow. Ash didn't stop. He swung again, this time aiming for its legs, forcing it to retreat further.
The branch cracked under the force, but it bought him enough time to reposition himself. His breath came in ragged gasps, adrenaline coursing through his veins. The wolf, enraged now, shook its head, embers flying from its nostrils. Its eyes locked onto Ash, fury radiating from every inch of its fiery body.
"I hope this works…" Ash muttered to himself.
He tossed aside the broken branch and glanced back at the fallen tree. A new idea formed in his mind—something riskier, but it was the only chance they had. If the wolves were as smart as Elena said, then they'd know how to avoid direct attacks. But if he could control the environment, turn the forest itself into a weapon…
"Elena!" Ash shouted, his voice rising above the sounds of combat. "Get ready to move—now!"
Elena glanced at him, confusion flashing across her face for a split second before she nodded. She trusted him. Without hesitation, she spun away from the wolf in front of her, slashing at its leg to create distance as she darted to the side.
Ash rushed toward the fallen tree, swinging his broken sword with all his strength at the exposed roots. The wood cracked under the force, brittle and dry from age. He swung again, this time using the jagged end of the branch to pry the wood apart.
"What are you doing?" Elena called, her voice strained as she dodged another swipe from the wolf.
"Just trust me!" Ash yelled back, his heart pounding as he worked frantically.
The wolves, sensing something was wrong, began to close in. The one Elena had been fighting stalked toward her, its eyes flickering with molten rage. The other circled around Ash, its movements more cautious now, as if it could sense the shift in the air.
Ash swung again, the dry wood splintering further. Finally, with one last push, the fallen tree gave way, the weight of it teetering dangerously. He looked up, his eyes locking with Elena's.
"Now!" he shouted.
Elena leapt back just as Ash gave the tree one final shove. It creaked and groaned, the sound echoing through the forest, before crashing down with a deafening *thud*. The wolves, startled by the sudden movement, scattered, but one wasn't fast enough. The tree landed on the first wolf's hind legs, pinning it to the ground.
The creature howled in pain, its fiery eyes blazing with fury as it thrashed beneath the weight of the tree. Ash didn't hesitate. With a surge of adrenaline, he charged forward, raising his broken sword high above his head.
The wolf snarled, snapping its jaws at him, but it was trapped, its movements sluggish under the weight of the tree. Ash brought the sword down with all his strength, driving the jagged edge into the wolf's neck. The blade cut deep, and the creature let out one final, guttural growl before collapsing in a heap, its embers flickering out as it died.
Ash staggered back, his chest heaving as he stared at the fallen beast. His hands were trembling, his body drenched in sweat, but they had done it.
"Elena!" he called, turning to find her.
Elena was locked in a fierce duel with the second wolf, her movements quick and precise as she deflected its attacks. But the wolf was relentless, its fiery claws slashing through the air with terrifying speed. She was holding her ground, but barely.
Ash's mind raced. He needed to help her, but his body felt heavy, his legs weak from exhaustion. His eyes darted around the clearing, searching for anything that could tip the scales.
Then he saw it—a patch of dry grass near the edge of the clearing, close to where Elena was fighting. The wolves were made of fire, their bodies radiating heat. If he could lure the wolf toward the grass…
"Elena, move toward the grass!" Ash shouted, pointing to the spot.
Elena didn't hesitate. She ducked low, narrowly avoiding the wolf's claws, and sprinted toward the patch of dry grass. The wolf, enraged, followed her, its glowing eyes locked on its prey.
As soon as the wolf stepped onto the grass, Ash acted. He grabbed the jagged branch from the ground and flung it into the air, aiming for the wolf's back. The wood struck the creature's side, igniting instantly as it made contact with the wolf's fiery body.
The dry grass caught fire, flames spreading rapidly. The wolf howled, panic flickering in its molten eyes as the fire closed in around it. Elena, realizing what was happening, sprinted away from the flames, her sword still in hand.
The fire spread quickly, fueled by the dry underbrush. The wolf, trapped by the flames, thrashed wildly, trying to escape, but it was too late. The flames consumed it, and with a final, agonized howl, the creature collapsed into the inferno, its body turning to ash.
Ash and Elena stood at the edge of the clearing, their bodies bruised and battered, but alive. The fire crackled in the distance, its light casting eerie shadows on the trees.
You have defeated two Inferno Wolves!
+200 EXP!
You have leveled up to level 10!
You have unlocked the 'Eyes of the God of Creation'.
Your [Beginner Swordsmanship Level 9] turned into [Intermediate Swordsmanship Level 1].
For a moment, neither of them spoke. They were both too exhausted, too overwhelmed by what had just happened. But as the adrenaline began to fade, Ash closed the game window, and turned to Elena, his voice hoarse.
"We made it," he said, a small, weary smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Elena looked at him, her expression softening as she let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Yeah," she said quietly, sheathing her sword. "We did."
Ash's body ached, every muscle screaming in protest as he moved. The broken sword in his hand felt heavier now, its jagged edges still glinting faintly in the light of the dying fire. He looked down at it, the frustration of his recent failures bubbling up once again. This wasn't how he had imagined his breakthrough happening.
But then, as his gaze shifted to Elena—standing there, her body tense and her eyes focused, her golden hair tousled from the fight—he realized something important. The breakthrough he sought might not come through brute force or skill alone. It might come from something else entirely.
"You okay?" Elena asked, interrupting his thoughts. She wiped the sweat from her brow, her breathing still labored from the fight.
Ash nodded slowly, though he was far from feeling "okay." His mind was a storm of confusion and frustration, but he couldn't let that show. Not now. Not after what they'd just been through.
"Yeah," he finally said, his voice low. "I'm just... thinking."
Elena gave him a long, searching look before nodding. "You saved my life back there, you know?" she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "That move with the tree—that was quick thinking. I'm not sure I could've taken them both on my own."
Ash let out a soft, bitter laugh. "I don't think I saved anyone. If I had been stronger—if I hadn't been so reckless—you wouldn't have had to jump in to save me in the first place."
Elena's gaze hardened, and she stepped forward, her hand gripping his shoulder firmly. "Don't say that, Ash. You fought hard. You didn't give up, even when your sword broke. That's what matters. Not every fight is about being the strongest—sometimes it's about outthinking your enemy, and you did that."
Ash stared at her, feeling a swell of emotion rise in his chest. Her words struck something deep inside him, but he wasn't sure how to respond. He had been so focused on breaking through the wall in front of him, so desperate to reach the next level, that he hadn't stopped to think about the other ways he could grow—ways that had nothing to do with power or skill.
"I guess..." he muttered, looking down at the ground. "I guess I've been looking at this all wrong."
Elena tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Ash took a deep breath, struggling to put his feelings into words. "I've been obsessed with leveling up—pushing myself harder and harder to get stronger. I thought that if I could just break through, everything would fall into place. But maybe that's not it. Maybe I need to change the way I think, not just the way I fight."
Elena's hand slipped from his shoulder, and she crossed her arms, considering his words. "Maybe it's not about fighting at all," she said after a moment. "Maybe it's about what drives you. Why are you so focused on leveling up? What are you really trying to prove?"
Ash opened his mouth to respond, but the words caught in his throat. What was he trying to prove? Was it to himself? To Elena? To the world? He had always been driven by the desire to be the best, to rise above the challenges that faced him. But now, standing here in the aftermath of the fight, he wasn't sure anymore.
"I don't know," he admitted quietly, his voice filled with uncertainty. "I don't know why it matters so much."
Elena sighed, her eyes softening as she looked at him. "It's okay not to have all the answers right now, Ash. You've been through a lot. But you're not alone in this. You have people who care about you. Me. Your parents. Don't lose sight of that while you're chasing whatever it is you're looking for."
Ash felt a pang of guilt as she spoke. He had been so focused on his own struggles that he had pushed everyone else away, even Elena. She had been there for him, and he had kept her at a distance. Now, after everything, he realized how much he had been taking her for granted.
"Thanks, Elena," he said softly, meeting her gaze. "I needed to hear that."
She smiled, a small but genuine smile, and nodded. "Anytime. Now, let's get out of here before more of those things show up."
Ash chuckled, the tension between them easing slightly. "Yeah, I don't think I'm ready for round two with those wolves."
Together, they made their way back through the forest, the night settling in around them. The sounds of distant wildlife had returned, the forest slowly coming back to life after the battle. But as they walked, Ash couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted—not just in the fight, but in him. He wasn't sure what it meant yet, but for the first time in months, he felt a glimmer of hope.
By the time they reached the village, the sky had darkened into a deep navy, the stars twinkling faintly above. The air was cool, the scent of wood smoke drifting lazily from nearby chimneys, blending with the familiar sounds of evening life—voices chatting, the occasional bark of a dog, and the faint clatter of dishes from homes tucked neatly along the narrow streets.
Ash's muscles screamed in protest with every step, exhaustion pulling him down like a weight. His mind was still spinning, not only from the battle but from the deeper thoughts that now pressed on him: the wall he couldn't seem to break, his need for answers, and the realization that Elena had been right all along.
Walking past the village square, illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns, Elena glanced at Ash, concern evident in her blue eyes. "You look like you're about to pass out," she said, her voice softened with the familiar teasing lilt she always used when she was trying to lighten his mood.
Ash forced a tired smile. "Feels like it. I think I'm going to sleep for a week after tonight."
Elena chuckled, though the tension of the evening still clung to her. "You've earned it. But don't think you're getting off easy," she added, her tone growing serious as her gaze sharpened. "You need to explain why you were out there alone. You could've gotten yourself killed."
Ash winced, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. He had hoped to avoid this conversation, at least for a while longer. How could he tell her the truth when Elena didn't even know that this world—her world—was originally a game? To her, this place was real, and the people, the land, the threats—all of it was genuine. Ash had struggled for years to reconcile the fact that he was living in a world that was both familiar and strange, a world built on systems and lore he had once mastered as a top player.
But none of that could explain his obsession with breaking through the mysterious wall that kept him at [Beginner Swordsmanship Level 9]. Elena wouldn't understand. She couldn't, because she didn't know the truth.
"Elena..." Ash began, hesitating as he tried to find the right words. He glanced down at his feet, kicking a pebble on the road. "There are things... things I haven't told you. Things about me."
Elena's steps slowed, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean? What haven't you told me?"
Ash felt the weight of the secret pressing on him, heavy and suffocating. He had kept this part of himself hidden for so long, and yet, after everything they had been through together, after the trust they had built, it felt wrong to keep it from her any longer. But how could he explain something so absurd? That this world was a game, and that he was once a player from another life?
He let out a long breath, running a hand through his messy black hair. "I... I haven't been completely honest with you about why I've been training so hard. Why I'm so obsessed with leveling up."
Elena crossed her arms, studying him closely. "I can tell you've been frustrated for months. But why not tell me? What's really going on, Ash?"
Ash looked up, meeting her gaze. Her eyes were full of concern, the same concern that had driven her to follow him into the forest tonight. She had always been there for him, and yet, he had kept her in the dark.
"It's not something you'd believe," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elena's eyes narrowed. "Try me."
For a moment, Ash considered telling her everything. About his past life as a gamer, about Divine Sword Online, and how this world mirrored the one from the game. But the words wouldn't come. He didn't want to shatter her reality. He didn't want her to think of her world as something less than real, or worse, to look at him differently.
Instead, he settled for a half-truth. "I've found another solution to my problem thanks to you," he admitted, his voice low. "But I can't tell you now."
Elena's eyes softened, her expression shifting from frustration to empathy. "Alright. I'll trust your words, for now."
Ash clenched his fists at his sides, his frustration boiling beneath the surface. "It matters because if I don't get stronger, I won't be able to protect the people I care about. I won't be able to protect you."
Elena blinked, taken aback by the intensity in his voice. "Ash... you don't have to carry that burden alone. I can take care of myself, you know that."
"I know you can," Ash said, his voice softening. "But I don't want to just rely on you. I want to be strong enough to stand by your side, to face whatever comes."
Elena shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You already do, Ash. You don't need to prove anything to me. We're a team, remember? You don't have to do this on your own."
Her words pierced through his frustration, leaving him feeling strangely vulnerable. Ash had spent so long focusing on his goal, on breaking through the barriers of this world, that he hadn't considered that maybe, just maybe, he didn't need to face it all alone.
"Thanks, Elena," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "I... I'll try to remember that."
Elena smiled warmly, her hand resting briefly on his arm before she turned toward her home. "Get some rest," she said. "We'll figure this out together."
Ash watched her go, her figure disappearing into the shadows of the village. For a long moment, he stood there in the quiet, his mind racing. He still didn't have all the answers, but for the first time in a long time, the weight on his shoulders felt just a little lighter.
And maybe, just maybe, that was enough for now.