Let's continue without involving the gods at this stage. We'll keep the focus on the protagonist's gradual adaptation to the world, his strategic approach, and his preparation to engage with key characters like Elara. Here's Chapter 4, where the protagonist begins making his first significant moves while maintaining his low profile.
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The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over Varian's bustling streets. The faint hum of chatter from the market filled the air, but he kept to the quieter side streets, deep in thought. The flyer with Elara's name weighed heavily in his pocket. He knew she was a pivotal character in this world—a rising star who would eventually become one of the strongest gate clearers. But he couldn't approach her just yet.
He needed to be methodical.
First, he thought, I need more strength. His stats were still too low. Any involvement in a serious gate-clearing operation at this stage would be suicidal. In the novel, even minor characters had honed their abilities through weeks or months of preparation before facing high-tier gates. For now, his priority was getting stronger—building a solid foundation.
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He returned to his small room at The Iron Fang, sitting down at the worn wooden table. The Mana Conduit pendant lay before him, its soft blue light flickering like a heartbeat. He had been reluctant to use it at first, unsure of its effects, but now he realized he had no choice. If he wanted to survive, he needed every advantage he could get.
Carefully, he slipped the pendant over his neck. A sudden warmth spread through his body as the artifact activated, the mana within it resonating with his own. He could feel it—his mana was flowing more smoothly now, less restrained. It wasn't a drastic change, but it was enough to notice. His mind felt clearer, sharper, as if the fog of fatigue had lifted slightly.
This will help, he thought, clenching his fists experimentally. The mana conduit would improve his mana regeneration and control, but it wasn't a miracle. It would take time for him to fully master its effects. For now, though, it was a start.
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The next morning, he set out to find information on beginner-level gates around Varian. He knew he couldn't face any high-tier gates yet, but there were always low-level gates that needed clearing. In the novel, novice adventurers often formed small teams to tackle these easier gates, using them as training grounds to hone their skills and earn some quick money.
The Gate Clearing Guild, located near the city's plaza, was where adventurers registered for missions. It was a modest building compared to the bustling market outside, but it was one of the most important places in Varian. Gate clearers were the lifeblood of the city, and the guild kept track of every gate in the region.
Stepping inside, he was greeted by the sight of dozens of adventurers, some armored and battle-worn, others still fresh-faced and eager. A large notice board dominated the far wall, covered in requests for gate-clearing teams. He approached cautiously, scanning the list for something manageable.
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His eyes settled on one request in particular: "Low-tier gate near the southern outskirts—beasts reported are low-level, suitable for beginner teams." The reward wasn't much—just enough to cover a few days' worth of supplies—but it was exactly what he needed. A low-tier gate meant lower risks, and if he was lucky, he might even find a small mana stone or two.
After signing up for the mission, he spent the next few hours wandering the guild, observing the other adventurers. Many of them were experienced, discussing strategies and recent gate-clearing events. Others, like him, were new to the game, trying to find their footing in a dangerous world.
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The following day, he made his way to the gate location on the city's southern outskirts. The area was quiet, the bustling energy of the city fading into the background as he approached the portal. The gate was a swirling vortex of dark energy, suspended between two ancient stone pillars. It pulsed with an eerie light, a stark reminder of the danger that lay beyond.
He drew a deep breath. This was it—his first real gate, a chance to test his strength.
The beasts inside were weak in comparison to the monsters of higher-tier gates, but he couldn't afford to underestimate them. Even low-level creatures could kill an unprepared adventurer, and he was still far from being an expert.
As he stepped through the gate, the world around him shifted. The air grew colder, the sky darkening into a stormy gray. He found himself standing in a desolate wasteland, the ground cracked and barren. The gate behind him flickered, its swirling energy casting long shadows over the landscape.
Focus, he told himself. The key to surviving this world was patience. Rushing in recklessly would get him killed.
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The beasts appeared soon after—a pack of Feral Hounds, low-level creatures with jagged fangs and matted fur. They weren't particularly strong or fast, but they hunted in groups, using numbers to overwhelm their prey.
He gripped his sword tightly, his heart pounding in his chest. His first real fight.
The hounds circled him, growling lowly as they closed in. He kept his stance steady, watching their movements carefully. The first hound lunged, and he reacted instinctively, sidestepping the attack and bringing his sword down in a swift arc. The blade cut deep into the creature's side, and it collapsed with a yelp.
One down.
The others hesitated for a moment, but hunger drove them forward. Another lunged, and he barely dodged, feeling the creature's breath on his neck as it passed. He swung his sword again, slashing through its flank. Blood sprayed across the cracked earth, and the hound fell, twitching.
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The fight was over quickly. The hounds, though aggressive, lacked the intelligence or coordination of stronger beasts. By the time the last one fell, he was panting, his arms aching from the effort. His sword dripped with blood, and his heart raced in his chest.
But he had survived.
He glanced at his status screen, the familiar blue text flashing before his eyes.
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Status:
Name: Unknown
Race: Human
Class: None
Level: 3
Attributes:
Strength: 8
Agility: 8
Endurance: 7
Mana: 7
Skills: None
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A small boost, but it was progress. He had gained experience, both in battle and in the use of his mana. The pendant's influence was subtle but noticeable, his attacks more fluid, his energy replenishing faster.
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Before leaving the gate, he searched the area for anything of value. Near one of the hounds' dens, he found a small mana stone, its faint glow barely visible in the dim light. It wasn't much, but it was enough to fuel a low-tier spell or be sold for a modest price in Varian.
Satisfied, he returned to the gate, stepping back through the portal and into the warm light of the outside world. The city's walls loomed in the distance, a reminder of the safety he had momentarily left behind.
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As he made his way back to Varian, he couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. It was a small victory, but it was the first step in a long journey. He was still weak, still vulnerable, but each battle would make him stronger.
Patience, he reminded himself again. This world was brutal, but he knew how it worked. He had the advantage of foresight, and with careful planning, he would rise.
His eyes drifted to the folded flyer in his pocket—the one with Elara's name on it. Soon, he would make his move. But not yet. There was still much to learn, much to prepare for.
For now, he would continue building his strength, one step at a time.
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End of Chapter 4
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In this chapter, we focused on the protagonist's first gate-clearing experience, allowing for a slower and more methodical development. He's growing stronger, but the journey is gradual, with small victories and careful steps. He's still keeping an eye on Elara, but he's not ready to approach her just yet.