Kazuki woke up to the sound of birds chirping and the warmth of the morning sun filtering through the trees. His body ached from the previous night's battle, but the pain reminded him of his victory. He stretched, wincing slightly as he sat up. The remains of the Dire Wolf Alpha lay nearby, its once-imposing form now reduced to a charred husk.
Despite the soreness in his muscles, Kazuki couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had faced his first real challenge in this world and survived. More than that, he had thrived. The Genesis System was an invaluable ally, granting him abilities and guidance when he needed it most.
He opened his status screen, eager to see the results of his efforts.
---
**Status:**
- **Name:** Kazuki Nakamura
- **Class:** None
- **Level:** 4
- **Health:** 200/200
- **Mana:** 150/150
- **Strength:** 20
- **Agility:** 18
- **Intelligence:** 17
- **Luck:** 12
**Abilities:**
- **Genesis Adaptation**
- Grants the user access to infinite skill potential. The user can learn any skill, magic, or ability in existence. Skills grow with use.
**Skills:**
- **Basic Combat Arts (Unarmed):** Lvl 2
- **Flame Strike:** Lvl 2
- **Fire Blast (AoE):** Lvl 1
- **Flame Barrier:** Lvl 1
- **Wind Step:** Lvl 1
- **Shockwave Slash:** Lvl 1
---
His health and mana had increased with his level, and he felt stronger than ever. His basic combat skills were also improving, thanks to the constant battles he'd been thrown into. Kazuki smiled to himself as he closed the screen. He was getting stronger, and it felt amazing.
But he knew he couldn't afford to get complacent. The Dire Wolf Alpha had been tough, but it was only a Level 10 monster. There were surely far more powerful creatures out there. If he was going to survive—and thrive—in this world, he needed to keep pushing himself.
He glanced around the clearing, ensuring no other threats were nearby. The sun had risen fully now, casting warm light through the trees. It was peaceful, almost serene, but Kazuki knew that danger lurked just beyond the edges of the forest.
He stood up, dusting off his clothes and stretching his sore limbs. He needed to head back to the village and check on the people there. He had promised them safety, after all.
---
The village was much livelier than the previous night. As Kazuki approached, he could see the villagers going about their morning routines—tending to the fields, repairing fences, and gathering water from the nearby well. There was a noticeable shift in the air. The fear that had gripped the village seemed to have lessened, though not entirely disappeared.
As Kazuki walked through the village gates, a few of the villagers glanced his way. Some nodded in gratitude, while others simply stared in awe. Word must have spread about what he'd done.
A familiar figure approached him—the same man who had warned him the night before. His face was lined with worry, but there was a flicker of hope in his eyes.
**"You… you're still alive,"** the man said, his voice filled with disbelief. **"Did you… did you defeat the wolves?"**
Kazuki nodded. **"The Alpha's dead. The rest of the pack won't be bothering you for a while."**
The man's eyes widened, and a murmur spread through the nearby villagers who had overheard. A few of them began to gather, their expressions a mixture of relief and admiration.
**"I don't know how to thank you,"** the man said, his voice thick with emotion. **"You've saved us. Without you, the village would've been overrun."**
Kazuki scratched the back of his head, feeling a little awkward under the sudden attention. **"I just did what I had to. But you should still be cautious. There could be more monsters out there."**
A woman stepped forward, her face lined with age but her eyes sharp and full of wisdom. She wore a simple robe, her hair tied back in a loose bun. Kazuki guessed she was one of the village elders.
**"You've done us a great service, stranger,"** she said, her voice calm but authoritative. **"But as you said, this world is dangerous. The monsters have been growing more aggressive lately. We fear that something far worse than wolves is stirring in the forest."**
Kazuki frowned. **"Something worse? What do you mean?"**
The elder woman sighed, glancing toward the distant tree line. **"There are rumors. Stories passed down through generations. Some say that deep within the forest lies an ancient ruin, a place where dark magic was sealed long ago. Recently, travelers have reported strange sightings near those ruins—unnatural creatures, far more dangerous than the wolves you faced."**
Kazuki's interest was piqued. An ancient ruin? Dark magic? It sounded like something straight out of a fantasy novel, but then again, so did everything in this world. If the rumours were true, it could be the next step in his journey toward greater strength.
**"Has anyone tried investigating the ruins?"** Kazuki asked.
The elder shook her head. **"No one who has gone has returned. The forest has become too dangerous, even for experienced adventurers."**
Kazuki thought for a moment. He was still relatively new to this world, but the Genesis System had given him a significant advantage. He was already stronger than the average person here, and with his abilities, he might be able to survive whatever was lurking in the ruins.
But he also knew that rushing in without a plan was a bad idea. If this dark magic was as dangerous as the elder suggested, he needed to be prepared.
**"I'll check it out,"** Kazuki said, surprising himself with how confident he sounded. **"But first, I need to gather some supplies and maybe a weapon. Fighting with just my fists isn't exactly ideal."**
The elder nodded. **"We will do what we can to assist you. You are welcome to stay in our village for as long as you need. I will also speak with the blacksmith. He may be able to craft you a weapon worthy of your abilities."**
Kazuki smiled. **"Thanks. I appreciate it."**
---
Kazuki spent the rest of the day preparing for his next adventure. The village's blacksmith, a gruff man with a bushy beard and arms as thick as tree trunks, had agreed to forge him a weapon. After some discussion, they settled on a simple yet sturdy longsword—a versatile weapon that would suit Kazuki's growing combat skills.
While the blacksmith worked, Kazuki trained in the village square, practising his magic and combat arts. The Genesis System continued to adapt, offering him small improvements to his existing skills. His movements became faster, his strikes more precise. He could feel himself growing stronger with each passing hour.
> **Skill Upgrade: Basic Combat Arts (Unarmed) → Advanced Combat Arts (Weapons and Unarmed)**
> **New Skill Unlocked: Mana Infusion (Temporarily increases weapon damage by channelling mana into it).**
Kazuki grinned as he tested out the new ability, watching as his hand glowed faintly with blue energy. Mana Infusion would be a game-changer in combat, especially with his new sword.
By the time the sun began to set, Kazuki's new weapon was ready. The blacksmith handed it to him with a nod of approval.
**"It's not fancy, but it'll get the job done,"** the blacksmith said. **"Just try not to break it on your first swing."**
Kazuki laughed, giving the sword a few test swings. It felt good in his hand—balanced, sharp, and solid. He could already feel his confidence growing.
**"Thanks,"** Kazuki said, sheathing the sword. **"I'll take good care of it."**
---
That night, Kazuki sat by a small campfire just outside the village, his sword resting beside him. He stared into the flames, his mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
The ruins, the dark magic, the mysterious creatures—this world was filled with danger, but it was also filled with opportunity. With the Genesis System at his side, there was no limit to what he could achieve.
But there was still so much he didn't know. Why had he been brought here? What was the true purpose of the Genesis System? And what was this dark force that seemed to be awakening in the forest?
As Kazuki pondered these questions, the fire crackled softly, and the distant howl of a wolf echoed through the night.
He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword.
**"Whatever's out there, I'm ready,"** he muttered to himself.
And with that, he closed his eyes, letting the sounds of the night lull him to sleep.
Tomorrow, the real journey would begin.