Ethan awoke the next morning, his body sore from the previous night's ordeal. His mind was buzzing with everything that had happened—the wristband, the system, the creature he'd barely survived. He stared at his hand, clenching it into a fist. The Power Strike ability had saved him, but the weight of the wristband on his wrist now felt heavier. Whatever this system was, it was changing him, and it wasn't done.
He stood up slowly, wincing as his muscles ached. As the memories of his first battle flickered in his mind, the system's interface popped up before him.
[Quest completed: Survive the encounter.]
[Rewards: +2 Experience, +1 Endurance.]
The notification faded, and Ethan felt a subtle shift in his body. His muscles seemed to relax as the soreness eased slightly. It wasn't much, but every boost mattered. He was starting to understand how the system worked—he had to push himself, test his limits, and fight to survive. Each victory made him stronger.
But there was something else. As he stretched, the interface flickered again.
[New challenge available:]
The First Challenge – Prove your worth and unlock your path.
Objective: Reach the temple at the heart of the forest.
Time limit: 2 hours.
Reward: Major Ability Unlock.
Ethan frowned. The words hung in the air like a taunt. The "first challenge" sounded simple enough, but he knew by now that nothing about this system would be easy. His eyes scanned the forest around him. The temple? He had never heard of any temple nearby, but there had to be a reason it was hidden.
More words blinked into view.
[Warning: Hostile creatures will patrol the forest. Stay alert.]
"Of course," Ethan muttered, rolling his eyes. "Why wouldn't there be more monsters?"
Still, there was no turning back. The wristband had changed his life, and he had to see where this path led. If the system was offering him a challenge, it wasn't just for survival anymore—it was a chance to unlock real power. He couldn't pass that up.
Without hesitation, Ethan set off deeper into the forest, heading in the direction he assumed the temple lay. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting long shadows on the forest floor. The eerie silence from the night before had returned, and each step he took seemed to echo in the stillness. Time was ticking, and he had to stay focused.
As he moved, he mentally opened his Stats.
[Ethan:]
Level: 3
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Intelligence: 6
Endurance: 6
Mana: 0
He was stronger now, his endurance boosted by the system, but the Mana stat was still sitting at zero. Ethan wondered when that would change, if ever. He hadn't unlocked anything magic-related yet, but the thought of wielding some kind of supernatural power intrigued him. Maybe this temple held the answers.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the trees. Ethan froze, his heart skipping a beat. He looked around, eyes scanning for movement, but saw nothing. The system's warning from earlier replayed in his mind—hostile creatures would patrol the forest.
He moved cautiously, his muscles tensing, ready for whatever might come. The forest seemed darker now, the shadows thicker, as though something sinister lurked within them. He quickened his pace, knowing he didn't have much time.
As he rounded a bend, a shape leaped from the bushes, a blur of black fur and glowing red eyes. Ethan barely had time to react. He summoned Quick Dash, his body moving in a flash as he dodged to the side. The creature's claws swiped through the air where he had been standing.
Ethan spun around, his eyes locking on the beast. It was larger than the one from the night before, its fangs bared, dripping with saliva. This one wasn't going to retreat. It wanted a fight.
[New enemy identified: Forest Predator.]
The system's words were brief, but Ethan didn't need an introduction. He activated Power Strike, feeling the energy surge through his arm. With a shout, he charged at the predator, swinging his fist with all the strength the system had granted him.
The blow landed squarely on the creature's side, sending it skidding across the forest floor. But this time, it didn't fall. The predator shook itself off, growling louder, more furious than before.
Ethan cursed under his breath. The creature was tougher than the last one. He couldn't rely on brute strength alone. As it lunged again, Ethan jumped back, using his agility to avoid the sharp claws. He needed to think, to strategize. The system had taught him one thing so far—recklessness would get him killed.
The predator circled him, its eyes gleaming with hunger. Ethan's mind raced. He had Power Strike, but it was only effective if he could land a solid hit. The predator wasn't going to give him many chances.
Then an idea hit him. The system had mentioned creatures would patrol the forest. If this was a challenge, maybe there were more enemies lying in wait. He could use that to his advantage.
He activated Quick Dash, sprinting toward a thicker part of the woods. The predator followed, growling as it chased him through the trees. Ethan pushed himself, dodging low branches and leaping over roots, his eyes scanning the terrain. He needed a trap, something to slow the predator down.
Suddenly, another growl came from ahead. Ethan's heart pounded as he saw a second creature, smaller but just as deadly, stalking through the trees. Perfect.
He turned sharply, angling his path toward the second predator. The two creatures noticed each other too late, their paths crossing just as Ethan slid between them. The first predator barreled into the second, both beasts snarling in confusion.
Without hesitating, Ethan swung his fist with Power Strike, landing a crushing blow to the first predator's side. The creature yelped, stumbling as it crashed into the underbrush. The second one turned its attention to Ethan, but he was already moving, his agility kicking in as he dodged its claws.
With a final strike, Ethan brought down the second predator, its body collapsing into the leaves. He stood panting, watching as both creatures retreated into the shadows.
[Enemies neutralized: +3 Experience earned.]
[Level up: Level 4.]
Ethan took a deep breath, wiping sweat from his brow. The system's rewards were immediate, but the tension in his chest didn't ease. He was stronger now, but the challenge was far from over. He had to keep moving.
The temple was waiting.