"Power is never given—it is always taken."
The words echoed in Steven's mind as he moved through the dense forest, his body still recovering from the brutal fight with the beast. The sun was setting, casting long shadows between the twisted trees, and an unnatural silence hung in the air. Even the wind seemed reluctant to disturb the stillness. It was the kind of place where predators lurked just beyond the range of sight, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
Steven trudged forward, every muscle aching, his mind still buzzing with the aftereffects of the system interface. His first fight had left him with newfound abilities, but also a harsh realization—this world was a kill-or-be-killed kind of place. The system had given him power, but it also demanded something in return: his ability to survive. There were no safety nets here. If he failed, he would die again—perhaps for real this time.
The forest stretched on endlessly, an oppressive expanse of gnarled roots, jagged rocks, and underbrush thick enough to swallow a man whole. Steven's sharp eyes scanned the area as he moved, alert for any sign of danger. He had no clear destination, no idea of where he was heading—only a primal drive to keep moving, to keep surviving.
---
**[Level 2: Exp to next level: 75]**
---
The reminder flickered in the corner of his vision like an unwelcome guest. His newly unlocked ability, **Enchant**, buzzed faintly in his mind, a promise of greater power if only he could gather the experience to use it properly. But for now, all he had was a rusted shard of metal, barely functioning as a weapon. He needed something better—tools, supplies, a plan.
But first, he needed shelter.
The sun dipped lower, and the first signs of night began to creep into the forest. The temperature dropped sharply, and Steven's breath began to mist in the air. Instinctively, he reached out with his mind, willing the system to give him some form of guidance.
Nothing.
"Figures," Steven muttered, pushing through a thicket of brambles. "No hand-holding in this world, I guess."
As he trudged forward, his eyes caught sight of something in the distance—a faint glow, barely visible through the trees. For a moment, his heart quickened. Firelight? Civilization? Hope?
Cautiously, he moved toward it, keeping his movements quiet. If there were people, there would be danger. This world had already proven to be hostile, and Steven wasn't going to make the mistake of trusting blindly. He reached the edge of a clearing, crouching low to survey the area.
In the center of the clearing, a campfire flickered weakly, its embers casting a faint orange glow across the forest floor. Around the fire sat two figures, dressed in ragged leather armor, their faces worn and dirty. Bandits, by the look of them.
Steven narrowed his eyes, assessing the situation. Two enemies. Both armed—one with a short sword, the other with a bow slung over his back. He scanned the rest of the camp. They had basic supplies: a few bags of what might be food, water skins, and a bundle of cloth that could serve as makeshift blankets. It wasn't much, but it was more than what Steven had.
For a brief moment, he hesitated. He wasn't a fighter by nature. Back in his old world, he would have avoided this kind of conflict at all costs. But here, the rules were different. The system's interface had been clear: fight, grow, survive. There was no room for hesitation in this world. If he wanted to keep going, he had to be willing to take what he needed—even if that meant spilling blood.
He glanced at the rusted shard in his hand, then at the bandits. He couldn't take them both head-on. Not yet. He needed to be smart, to strike from the shadows.
Steven waited, watching the bandits as they settled in for the night. The one with the short sword yawned, stretching his arms lazily before leaning back against a nearby log. The archer, on the other hand, stayed alert, his eyes scanning the forest with a practiced gaze. That one would be the problem.
Slowly, silently, Steven crept forward, using the thick underbrush for cover. His heartbeat quickened, his pulse thudding in his ears as he closed the distance. The archer shifted, his hand resting on his bow as if sensing something was off, but Steven was already moving. In one swift motion, he lunged forward, driving the rusted shard into the man's neck with all the force he could muster.
The archer let out a strangled gasp, his hand flying to the wound as blood spilled from his throat. Steven twisted the shard, feeling the resistance of muscle and bone before pulling it free. The archer slumped forward, dead before he hit the ground.
---
**[Exp gained: 10]**
**[Exp required for next level: 65]**
---
Steven barely had time to register the notification before the second bandit jumped to his feet, his sword drawn. "You bastard!" he snarled, rushing toward Steven with a wild swing.
Steven ducked, the sword slicing through the air just above his head. His mind raced, adrenaline surging as he dodged another blow. He wasn't strong enough to take this guy in a direct fight. He needed to use the environment.
The bandit came at him again, this time with more control, his movements faster and more precise. Steven backed up, leading the man toward the trees. He just needed an opening, a moment where he could exploit the bandit's aggression.
The bandit swung again, and Steven sidestepped, causing the man to stumble into the thick roots of a nearby tree. The bandit cursed, regaining his balance, but it was all the time Steven needed. He lunged forward, using the shard to slice at the man's arm, forcing him to drop his sword.
The bandit roared in pain, but Steven didn't let up. He pressed the attack, driving the shard into the man's gut and twisting it viciously. The bandit gasped, his eyes wide with shock as blood poured from the wound.
With a final, pained gasp, the bandit collapsed to the ground, his body twitching before falling still.
---
**[Exp gained: 20]**
**[Exp required for next level: 45]**
---
Steven stood over the bodies, his breath coming in ragged gasps. His hands were slick with blood, his body trembling from the exertion. The adrenaline still coursed through his veins, but there was something else now—satisfaction. A grim sense of accomplishment that he had won, that he had survived.
He bent down, wiping the blood from the rusted shard on the bandit's tunic before turning his attention to the camp. The supplies weren't much, but they would keep him alive for a few more days. He grabbed the bags, slinging them over his shoulder, and took the short sword from the dead bandit's hand. It wasn't a great weapon, but it was better than the shard.
As he moved to leave the clearing, the system flashed another notification.
---
**[Quest: Edge of Desperation]**
**[Objective: Survive the first night in the new world.]**
**[Reward: Unlock new feature—Crafting.]**
---
Steven paused, his eyes narrowing at the notification. A quest? He hadn't seen anything about quests before. But the reward… Crafting. That could change everything. If he could create weapons, tools, even enchantments, his chances of survival would skyrocket.
A flicker of hope sparked in his chest. Maybe this world wasn't as unforgiving as it seemed. Maybe, just maybe, he could make something of himself here.
He set off into the forest again, his newfound supplies clinking lightly as he walked. Night had fully fallen now, and the forest was bathed in darkness, the only sound his footsteps on the soft earth.
He didn't know what lay ahead. More dangers, certainly. More creatures, more enemies. But now, he had something he hadn't had before: a plan. He would survive. He would grow stronger.
And he would ascend.
---
Far above, the sky shimmered with strange, alien constellations, a world of possibilities laid out before him. The first step was survival. The next step? Conquest.
Steven walked through the forest, each step guided by the faint glow of his system interface, barely visible but ever-present. His mind buzzed with a thousand thoughts. He had survived his first encounter, slain two men who stood in his way, and now, the world ahead of him seemed just a little more manageable. The system's promises were tantalizing, filling him with a sense of determination he'd never felt before. The quest had rewarded him with something essential: **Crafting**.
---
**[New Feature Unlocked: Crafting]**
**[Current Inventory: Rusted Shard, Short Sword, Cloth Strips, Ration Packs, Water Skin, Basic Bandit Armor]**
**[Materials Available: Low-Quality Leather, Basic Metal Fragments, Cloth, Wood]**
---
He looked at the system's inventory list hovering in front of him. It was sparse, but it was a start. Crafting would allow him to shape his path forward, turn the raw materials of this world into something powerful. It was, in a way, a glimpse of control—something he hadn't had in his old life.
For a moment, the bitter memory of his former existence, filled with dead-end jobs and constant disappointment, flashed in his mind. It was all too familiar: working long hours for a pittance, being overlooked, mocked. He'd spent years trying to find purpose in a life that had none. But here, in this dangerous world, there was a clarity he'd never known. Power was the only currency. The only goal was to survive and rise.
He stopped near a large tree, the gnarled roots forming a hollow where he could hide for the night. After securing the short sword at his waist, Steven knelt down and accessed the crafting menu. It was a basic interface for now, showing a list of potential recipes based on his materials. He scrolled through them, eyes narrowing in on a few possibilities.
---
**[Basic Crafting Recipes Available]**
- **Simple Knife** – Requires Metal Fragments and Cloth
- **Reinforced Leather Armor** – Requires Low-Quality Leather and Cloth
- **Basic Bow** – Requires Wood and Cloth
- **Stone Tools** – Requires Stone and Wood
---
The **Simple Knife** caught his eye. He had the metal fragments from the rusted shard, and the cloth from the bandits' tunic would work. A decent knife could be essential, especially since the sword he had was dull and unreliable.
He selected the recipe, feeling a strange energy coursing through his hands as the materials before him began to glow faintly. The system took over, guiding his actions as he wrapped the cloth around the metal fragments, forming the handle. The makeshift blade took shape in his hands, and soon, he held a small, sharp knife.
---
**[Item Crafted: Simple Knife]**
**[Exp gained: 5]**
**[Exp required for next level: 40]**
---
It wasn't much, but it was an improvement. He stared at the newly crafted blade, feeling a strange sense of pride. For the first time, he had created something with his own hands, no longer relying on the scraps that the world had thrown at him. It was a small victory, but one that resonated deeply with him.
He turned his attention to his next task—creating shelter. Night had fully set in, and the cold had begun to creep into his bones. He used his knife to strip branches from nearby trees, cutting vines to lash them together, forming a crude lean-to against the tree's roots. It wasn't much, but it would keep him hidden from predators while he rested.
After constructing the shelter, Steven settled inside, pulling the stolen bandit cloak over his shoulders for warmth. His body ached, muscles sore from the fight and the constant tension of being on alert. But exhaustion couldn't claim him yet. His mind was alive with possibilities, the interface displaying new opportunities as he closed his eyes and thought about the next steps.
---
**[Quest Update: Edge of Desperation – Survive the First Night: In Progress]**
**[New Quest Unlocked: The Hunger of Power]**
**[Objective: Defeat a Lesser Beast to gain its essence.]**
**[Reward: Unlock Assimilation]**
---
Steven's eyes shot open at the notification. **Assimilation**. His unique ability would allow him to absorb the talents of the creatures he defeated. This was the first true step toward gaining an edge in this brutal world. He couldn't rely on raw strength alone—not yet. But if he could harness the abilities of the monsters that inhabited this land, he would have an advantage no one else had.
His mind raced, considering the implications. Absorbing the abilities of this world's creatures could be more valuable than any physical weapon. Could he gain the strength of a wolf, the flight of a bird, or the resilience of something far more monstrous? The thought filled him with a dark excitement.
First, though, he needed to rest. He couldn't afford to be careless—he had to regain his strength before he went out hunting. The first night in this world was nearly over, but tomorrow… tomorrow would be the beginning of his rise.
He closed his eyes again, this time forcing himself into sleep despite the unease in the pit of his stomach. The system's notifications buzzed faintly as he drifted off, the promise of power just out of reach, waiting for him to claim it.
---
Steven woke to the sound of birds cawing high above him, their shrill cries cutting through the early morning mist. He stirred, rubbing his eyes as he adjusted to the dim light filtering through the trees. His body still ached, but the worst of the fatigue had faded.
He stepped out of the shelter, stretching as he surveyed his surroundings. The forest was different now, alive with movement as small creatures scurried about, birds flitted between branches, and the wind carried the scent of dew and earth. There was a strange peace here, but Steven knew it was deceptive. This world could turn on him in an instant.
His eyes narrowed as he focused on the new quest.
---
**[Quest: The Hunger of Power]**
**[Objective: Defeat a Lesser Beast to gain its essence.]**
---
He had no idea what kind of creatures lurked in the shadows, but if the system called it a "lesser beast," then he had to assume it was something manageable. Still, caution was his ally. He wasn't about to walk blindly into danger. He would hunt smart, choose his target carefully.
He started moving through the trees, the **Simple Knife** in hand and the short sword strapped to his side. His senses were heightened now, every sound and movement drawing his attention. He couldn't afford to miss anything.
After nearly an hour of careful tracking, Steven spotted movement in the underbrush ahead. A low growl rumbled from the shadows, and a pair of glowing yellow eyes locked onto him. The creature stepped into the light—a large wolf-like beast, its fur matted and its teeth bared in a snarl. It wasn't massive, but it was fast, and its muscles rippled under its ragged coat. A perfect target.
Steven gripped his knife tightly, his heart racing as the beast circled him, sniffing the air as it gauged its prey. He could feel the tension building, a standoff between predator and prey. But which one was which? In his old life, he might have been terrified, frozen with indecision. But here, survival demanded something different. Ruthlessness. Calculation.
The wolf lunged, teeth snapping toward Steven's throat. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack as the beast's claws raked across his arm, drawing blood. Pain flared, but Steven gritted his teeth and kept moving, circling around to stay out of the creature's direct line of attack.
He waited for his moment, watching the beast's movements, anticipating the next strike. The wolf snarled again and pounced, but this time Steven was ready. As the beast leaped, Steven dropped low, rolling beneath it and slashing upward with the knife, slicing deep into the creature's underbelly.
The wolf yelped in pain, collapsing to the ground as blood poured from the wound. Steven didn't hesitate—he was on it in an instant, driving the knife into its neck and ending the struggle.
---
**[Exp gained: 15]**
**[Exp required for next level: 25]**
**[Quest Complete: The Hunger of Power]**
**[Reward: Unlock Assimilation]**
---
As the notification flashed before his eyes, a strange warmth spread through Steven's body. He could feel it—the essence of the beast, the primal strength it possessed, flowing into him. It was intoxicating, a surge of raw power that made his muscles tense and his mind sharpen.
---
**[Assimilation Unlocked: You can now absorb the racial talents of defeated creatures.]**
**[Lesser Beast's Essence: Enhanced Senses, Low-Light Vision]**
---
Steven's vision shifted, the world becoming clearer even in the dim light of the forest. He could hear the rustling of leaves, the heartbeat of small creatures hidden beneath the underbrush. His senses had been sharpened, just as the wolf's had been.
He stood over the fallen creature, breathing heavily as the rush of power began to fade, replaced by a cold clarity. This was it. This was how he would survive. Not just by fighting, but by taking the strength of everything he killed, piece by piece, until he became unstoppable.
Steven wiped the blood from his knife, his eyes narrowing as he looked toward the horizon.
This world didn't know it yet, but he was coming for it. And then, hewould come for everything beyond it.
The system's rewards had given him a taste of what was possible, but Steven knew this was only the beginning. Power in this world was gained not just by skill but by ruthlessness, by taking what others had and making it his own. The **Assimilation** ability wasn't just a tool—it was a path to godhood. If he could take the strength of creatures, what would happen when he started absorbing the abilities of more powerful beings? Of other people?
The thought excited him, but it also set a cold pit in his stomach. That kind of power would draw attention. The more he gained, the more enemies he would make. This world was brutal, and those at the top would not let someone like him rise without a fight.
He bent down over the fallen wolf, pulling out his knife and stripping away the fur with practiced ease. The hide was tough and rough, but it would do. He could craft better armor from it—armor that would protect him from the dangers to come.
As he worked, his mind wandered. This forest was only a small part of the world, he knew that much. There would be cities, villages, people with their own ambitions and power struggles. Would he try to blend in, to manipulate them from the shadows? Or would he carve out his path with violence, cutting down anyone who stood in his way?
The old Steven—the man who had died a pathetic death—would have hesitated. He would have feared the consequences of his actions, worried about the morality of it all. But in this world, morality was a luxury he couldn't afford. Survival was the only law. He had to do whatever it took.
He finished skinning the wolf and stood, holding the fur in his hands. It was still warm, the last traces of life fading from it. Steven glanced at the system interface, which glowed faintly in the corner of his vision, waiting for his next move.
---
**[New Crafting Option Available: Wolf Hide Armor]**
---
It was better than the bandit's ragged leather armor, but Steven decided to wait. There would be time for crafting when he found a safer place. For now, he needed to push forward, explore more of the forest, and hunt for more creatures to absorb.
He set off through the trees again, moving faster this time. The heightened senses from the wolf's essence gave him an edge—he could see more clearly, hear more sharply, and smell the faint traces of life hidden all around him. It was empowering, like he had become part of the wilderness itself.
Hours passed as Steven moved deeper into the forest, and the landscape began to change. The trees grew larger, their branches twisted and knotted, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch toward him. The ground beneath his feet grew soft and uneven, dotted with thick patches of moss and tangled roots. The air grew colder, carrying with it the scent of decay.
He was in dangerous territory now, but he didn't turn back. If anything, the danger only fueled his determination. He had come too far already to shy away from risk. Besides, if this place was home to stronger beasts, that meant more power for him to take.
A sound cut through the stillness—a faint rustling, followed by a low, guttural growl. Steven stopped, his senses immediately locking onto the source. He could see movement in the shadows ahead, something large shifting between the trees. It was watching him, stalking him.
Steven's hand tightened around the hilt of his short sword. He had faced bandits and wolves, but something told him this was different. The growl grew louder, more distinct, and a moment later, a massive figure stepped into the clearing.
It was a bear, or at least it resembled one. But this creature was larger than any bear Steven had ever seen, its fur bristling like spikes, its eyes glowing a deep crimson. The ground trembled beneath its weight as it lumbered toward him, each step slow and deliberate.
---
**[Lesser Beast Identified: Dire Bear]**
**[Difficulty: Medium]**
**[Reward: Dire Strength, Thick Hide, Enhanced Healing]**
---
Steven's heart pounded in his chest. The wolf had been a challenge, but this—this was something else entirely. The Dire Bear was massive, its muscles rippling beneath its fur, and its sheer size was intimidating. But the system had tagged it as a "Lesser Beast." That meant it was within his reach. And the rewards for defeating it…
Steven smiled grimly. He needed this power.
The bear let out a deafening roar and charged, its massive paws tearing into the ground as it barreled toward him. Steven didn't wait. He dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the swipe of the bear's claws as they raked through the dirt where he had just stood.
He had to be quick. He couldn't afford to take a direct hit from something that size. The bear lunged again, swiping at him with a massive paw, but Steven ducked and rolled under it, slashing at the creature's hind leg with his knife. The blade bit into the thick fur and muscle, drawing blood, but it wasn't enough to slow the beast down.
The bear roared again, spinning around and swiping at Steven with its other paw. He jumped back, but the bear was too fast—its claws grazed his side, ripping through his bandit armor and leaving a deep gash in his flesh.
Pain shot through Steven's body, but he gritted his teeth and kept moving. He couldn't afford to stop, couldn't afford to let the pain slow him down. His mind raced, searching for a strategy. He wasn't going to win this fight with brute force—he had to be smart, had to use the environment to his advantage.
His eyes darted around the clearing, looking for anything he could use. There—at the edge of the clearing, a cluster of thick trees stood close together, their roots forming a natural barrier. If he could lure the bear into that narrow space, it might slow the creature down enough for him to strike.
Steven backed toward the trees, keeping his movements quick and deliberate, drawing the bear's attention. The creature charged again, its glowing eyes fixed on him, its roar shaking the ground beneath his feet.
He reached the cluster of trees just as the bear lunged. Steven darted between the narrow gaps in the roots, slipping through the tight space as the bear slammed into the barrier. The creature roared in frustration, swiping at the roots with its massive paws, but the trees held firm.
Steven didn't waste the opportunity. He darted around the side, slashing at the bear's exposed flank with his knife. The blade sliced through the creature's hide, and this time, the wound was deep. Blood poured from the gash, and the bear let out a pained roar, its movements growing more erratic.
The beast thrashed wildly, tearing at the trees in a desperate attempt to reach Steven, but it was trapped. Steven moved in again, this time aiming for the creature's neck. He drove the knife deep into the bear's throat, feeling the resistance of muscle and bone as the blade sank in.
The bear let out one final roar, its body shuddering before collapsing to the ground. Its massive form lay still, the forest once again silent.
---
**[Exp gained: 40]**
**[Exp required for next level: 5]**
**[Quest Complete: The Hunger of Power]**
**[Reward: Dire Strength, Thick Hide, Enhanced Healing]**
---
Steven felt the familiar warmth of the essence flowing into him, but this time it was different—stronger, more powerful. His muscles tensed, his body filling with the raw strength of the Dire Bear. His skin thickened, becoming more resistant, and he could feel his wounds beginning to heal, the pain fading as his body mended itself.
---
**[Assimilation Complete: Dire Bear's Essence absorbed.]**
**[New Abilities: Dire Strength, Thick Hide, Enhanced Healing]**
---
Steven stood over the fallen beast, breathing heavily as the last traces of the essence settled within him. He was stronger now, faster, more resilient. And this was only the beginning.
He wiped the blood from his knife, sheathed it, and turned to face the dark expanse of the forest ahead.
There was more power to claim.
And he would take it all.