As the day wore on, Jake couldn't shake the nagging feeling that healing and supporting Sung Jin-Woo wasn't enough. This world is ruthless, he thought. If I want to survive—if I want to protect myself—I need to be more than just a healer.
The weight of his realization pressed heavily on him. I need to fight. I need to defend. I need to stand on my own, no matter what comes.
That evening, after another round of exercises with Sung Jin-Woo, Jake returned to his room. The hospital had quieted down, with most of the patients and staff retiring for the night.
Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Jake called forth the Sage Enlightenment System once more. "I can't just stay in the background," he muttered to himself, determination flooding his veins. "I need to become stronger. This time, I'll take control of my fate."
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[Sage Enlightenment System]
.
Name: Lee Joo-Hee (Jake Garcia)
Class: Sage of Eternal Leaf
Level: 1 (50/100)
HP: 140/140 | MP: 260/260
.
Stats:
- Strength: 11
- Dexterity: 13
- Vitality: 14
- Magic Power: 26
- Intelligence: 18
- Wisdom: 19
.
Skills:
- Healing Touch (Skill Level 1 - 10%): Amplified healing abilities, allowing for rapid recovery of wounds and ailments.
- Verdant Growth (Skill Level 1 - 10%): Manipulation of plants and nature, enabling the user to control and accelerate plant growth.
- Nature's Embrace (Skill Level 1 - 10%): A protective barrier formed from natural energy, capable of shielding the user and others from harm.
.
Quests:
[ Strengthening Bonds ]
Objective: Spend time with Sung Jin-Woo and support him in his recovery.
Reward: +30 EXP, +3 Intelligence.
_______________________
As if the system had sensed Jake's growing determination, a new notification appeared:
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[New Quest: Embrace the Warrior Within]
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Jake's eyes widened in surprise. Without hesitation, he opened the quest details, his heart racing as he saw the rewards—Basic Swordsmanship or Martial Arts. "Perfect," Jake muttered, a small grin forming on his lips.
He accepted the quest immediately, knowing this was the next step in his journey to becoming more than just a healer. This is it. My chance to truly fight back.
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[ Embrace the Warrior Within ]
- Objective: Begin training in close combat skills. Achieve at least Basic Proficiency in either swordsmanship or martial arts.
- Reward: +50 EXP, +5 Strength, Basic Swordsmanship (Skill Level 1) or Martial Arts (Skill Level 1).
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Jake's eyes lingered on the second quest. The system had provided him with exactly what he needed—an opportunity to gain combat skills. But he knew that taking on this quest wouldn't be easy.
His body, though fit and healthy, was not naturally inclined towards combat. And yet, he couldn't afford to remain weak. He needed to learn how to fight.
The next morning, Jake sought out Kang Ho, a grizzled veteran who now worked at the hospital, helping Hunters rehabilitate after injuries. A former low-ranked Hunter himself, Kang Ho had been forced to retire after a brutal incident left him unable to fight at full strength.
Jake had watched him from afar, noticing the quiet authority in the man's movements and the way others respected him.
After breakfast, Jake found him in the training area, where he was sorting through a stack of weights. "Mr. Kang," Jake called out, his voice more confident than he felt inside.
Kang Ho turned, his eyes narrowing in mild surprise. "What can I do for you, Joo-Hee?"
Jake took a deep breath, knowing this was a crucial moment. "I need your help. I want to learn how to fight. Swordsmanship, specifically."
Kang Ho looked at her for a long moment, as if weighing her words. His voice, when he finally spoke, was low and gruff. "You're a healer. Why would you want to take up a sword?"
Jake met his gaze, trying to convey the seriousness of his request. "I can't just heal anymore. I've seen enough to know that it's not enough. If I want to survive in this world, I have to be able to fight back."
Kang Ho's brow furrowed, skepticism clear in his expression. "You've never trained before. Swordsmanship isn't something you pick up on a whim. You're walking into something that'll take years to master, and that's if you survive the learning curve."
"I don't have years," Jake said, his voice firm. "I need to be strong now. I won't always have someone to protect me."
Kang Ho's gaze softened, a flicker of respect in his eyes. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. But guts aren't enough to wield a sword."
Jake clenched his fists. "Then teach me. Help me survive."
For a moment, Kang Ho was silent, and then he nodded slowly. "Alright, Joo-Hee. We'll start tomorrow. But don't say I didn't warn you—this won't be easy."
The next day, Jake found himself in a small training yard, wooden practice swords lined up neatly on a rack. Kang Ho stood waiting, a stern expression on his face. He handed Jake a wooden sword, which felt surprisingly heavy in her small hands.
"Before we begin, let's see your stance," Kang Ho instructed.
Jake mimicked the stances he remembered from martial arts and sword-fighting scenes in movies and anime, but it quickly became clear how little practical knowledge he had. Kang Ho corrected him, adjusting his grip, his feet, and his posture until Jake was standing in a proper beginner's stance.
"The basics of swordsmanship aren't flashy or glamorous," Kang Ho began, pacing in front of Jake. "It's about control, precision, and discipline. You need to master the fundamentals before you can even think about advanced techniques."
Jake listened intently, absorbing the veteran's words like a sponge. The training was grueling. Kang Ho drilled him on basic strikes, blocks, and footwork, correcting every mistake with a sharp word or a tap of his own practice sword.
Hours passed, and Jake's body ached from the exertion. But he pressed on, his determination unwavering. As he swung the wooden sword for what felt like the thousandth time, a notification appeared before his eyes.
Just a few minutes after hours of grueling practice, Jake was drenched in sweat, his muscles aching from swinging the sword again and again. He let out a groan, feeling the strain in his slender arms and shoulders.
Then, a familiar chime echoed in his mind, followed by a system notification:
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[You have completed the quest, "Embrace the Warrior Within."]
[You have gained +50 EXP and +5 Strength.]
_______________________
Before Jake could catch his breath, another chime rang through his mind, signaling his progress.
_______________________
[You have leveled up to Level 2. Gained +2 Strength and +3 Dexterity.]
_______________________
The system automatically distributed his status points, and Jake felt an immediate surge of power ripple through his body. His muscles tensed, his movements felt quicker, sharper. Just as he began to process the change, another notification appeared, prompted by his tireless sword practice.
_______________________
[Basic Swordsmanship Acquired. Skill Level 1 - 0/100 EXP.]
_______________________
Jake couldn't help but smile, despite his exhaustion. It wasn't much, but it was a start—a real, tangible step toward becoming more than just a healer. The Sage Enlightenment System was tracking his every move, rewarding his effort, and now, he had something new to master.
Kang Ho, observing Jake's progress, gave an approving nod. "You've got potential, Joo-Hee," he said, his voice gruff but genuine. "Keep this up, and you'll be more than just a healer—you'll also be a fighter."
Jake wiped the sweat from his brow, grateful for the praise. He felt a renewed sense of purpose swelling within him. "Thank you, Mr. Kang," he said, trying to catch his breath. Every swing, every drop of sweat, every moment of fatigue—it was all progress. This was just the beginning, but it was a crucial first step toward survival and strength in a world where weakness had no place.
As the day ended, Jake returned to his room, still clutching the wooden practice sword. It felt heavier now, not from the weight, but from the significance it held. It was more than just a weapon—it was a symbol of the path he had chosen, the journey he was committed to. The future ahead was treacherous, filled with danger and uncertainty, but Jake was ready.
He looked down at his hands, flexing them. I'm not just a healer anymore. I'm going to fight for what I want, he thought to himself, his resolve steeling. He would master these abilities, protect those who mattered, and—if fate allowed—find a way to fulfill the wish that had brought him here.
The journey was long, but he was no longer the same person who had first woken up in this strange world. With sword in hand and the system guiding him, Jake was ready for whatever came next.