Liam moved deeper into the dense forest, the path growing narrower with each step. The foliage around him was thick, but he moved with purpose, his mind preoccupied with the new system. The Sinful System, Ray had called it. Liam didn't quite understand the full extent of it yet, but there was one thing that was clear—the system thrived on sin.
"Sinful System... sounds bad," Liam muttered as he pushed through the underbrush. "But if doing bad deeds gets me more skills... maybe it's worth exploring."
Ray's voice echoed in his mind. "Liam, remember that the system rewards actions aligned with sin. It will shape you—make sure you understand what you're doing."
Liam paused, a smirk tugging at his lips. "I get it, Ray. But let's be real—if the system works the way I think it does, I'm going to need those skills."
Ray's response was calm, but there was an underlying caution. "The price may not be what you expect. Power gained through dark deeds often comes with unforeseen consequences."
Liam's thoughts were interrupted when a sudden movement ahead caught his eye. Someone—or something—was nearby.
He instinctively reached for his dagger, but as the figure stepped into view, he stopped himself. It wasn't a beast or orc, but a man. The man stumbled out of the trees, clearly exhausted, his face worn from days of travel. He was dressed in knight's armor, though battered and worn, his cloak torn from his journey.
The man noticed Liam immediately, though his posture was cautious. "Ah, a traveler. I thought I was the only one out here," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow. "My name is Mike. I've... been lost for a few days now. My group must have moved on without me."
Liam eyed him warily. A knight, lost in these woods? It didn't make sense. "What happened?" Liam asked, keeping his voice neutral but curious. "You get separated from your group?"
Mike sighed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "We were scouting through this forest... when the orcs ambushed us. I tried to make it back to the main road, but it's easy to get lost out here. I've been wandering in circles."
Liam glanced around, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. The air felt heavy, as though something was just out of reach. "Is there anyone else nearby?" Liam asked, turning his attention back to Ray for confirmation.
There was a brief pause before Ray responded with a negative tone. "There are no other living beings in the immediate area, aside from you and him."
Liam nodded to himself, looking back at Mike, who seemed to have a subtle edge of desperation in his eyes. "You said orcs ambushed you. What else is out here? Anything worse?"
Mike hesitated, casting a quick glance over his shoulder. "There are rumors," he began in a low voice. "Strange creatures deeper in the forest. I've heard stories of beasts that hunt... for more than just food. I don't know if it's true, but I've seen some things that don't sit right with me."
Liam processed the words, a slow smirk curling on his lips. He wasn't afraid of monsters, but there was something about the forest, something sinister that he could feel gnawing at him. He wondered if the Sinful System would reward him for testing it in a place like this.
"What exactly did you see?" Liam asked, taking a small step closer, his eyes narrowing.
Mike seemed to hesitate before answering, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know. But if you're heading deeper into the forest, you need to be careful. The rumors speak of creatures that feed on something... other than flesh. Something worse."
Liam's mind raced. The more Mike spoke, the more it sounded like an opportunity to test out the darker aspects of his new powers. If bad deeds could give him more strength, maybe this stranger was the perfect opportunity.
Mike shifted uncomfortably, glancing around again. "I should be getting back to the main road... I don't want to risk it anymore. You should, too. These woods aren't safe."
Liam didn't respond immediately. Instead, he watched Mike with calculating eyes. He hadn't made up his mind yet, but something about this situation felt like the perfect test.
As if on cue, a sudden thought crossed his mind—a thought that sent a thrill down his spine. He needed to test the system, to see if committing a dark deed would indeed unlock more power. Mike was vulnerable, alone in the woods, and a perfect target for his theory.
In one swift motion, Liam drew his dagger and stabbed Mike in the chest before the knight could even react.
Mike gasped, his hand going to the wound, but there was no time to stop the blood from spilling. His body crumpled to the ground, eyes wide in disbelief.
Liam stood over him, watching as the man's life drained away. "Sorry, Mike," Liam muttered under his breath, though the words felt hollow. His focus was on what would come next—the system's response.
The moment Mike's body went still, Liam felt a surge of power flood through him. His heart raced, his body tingling as the system reacted to the dark deed.
[Skill Evolution Detected!]
[Lust] skill has evolved: "Seduction" unlocked.
[Greed] skill has evolved: "Covet" unlocked.
Liam grinned slightly, a thrill of power rushing through him as he saw the notification. "So it works..." he whispered, the weight of the moment sinking in. "Do bad deeds, and the system rewards you. It's that simple."
Ray's voice echoed again, filled with concern. "Liam, I must remind you that every choice you make affects you. These skills... they come with a cost. Don't lose yourself in this power."
Liam's smirk deepened as he sheathed his dagger. "I'll deal with the consequences later, Ray. For now, it's just power. And I need more."
With that, Liam turned away from Mike's lifeless body, his eyes scanning the forest once more. Every action, every choice would shape him. And he was just getting started.