Idan stood at the edge of the village, taking in the vastness of the game world. It stretched before him with vibrant detail, more realistic than he'd expected from a virtual realm. His hands still tingled slightly from his recent work in the Medic's Hut, the sense of immersion leaving a lingering impression.
The Medic had told him, "The path of a Medic is not an easy one. It's about precision, patience, and knowing when to strike." The words felt like a challenge, urging him to test his own limits in this strange new role. Idan checked his HUD, focusing on his status screen where Medic was displayed beside his name, along with his first skill, Healing Touch. His path was clear: he'd need experience and allies to level up, especially if he hoped to make his mark in Evo-Realm.
He began his walk down a worn dirt path leading toward a small, nearby forest. He passed groups of fellow players—new recruits like him, their basic weapons and clothes marking them as fresh arrivals in this world. Some appeared to be teaming up, strategising as they split into pairs or trios, while others fumbled nervously through their first interactions with NPCs. The sight was a reminder that the game's complexity demanded cooperation, especially for those who were still learning.
As he entered the forest, the light shifted, dimming beneath the canopy of thick, ancient trees. The background sounds shifted, too, with faint rustling in the undergrowth and distant birdcalls adding an eerie realism. He paused, listening, trying to gauge his surroundings. This wasn't a place for idle wandering. According to his quest log, he was here to complete a healing task.
[Quest: First Aid in the Field]
Objective: Heal five wounded players or NPCs in the surrounding forest.
Reward: Skill unlock: Cognitive Shield
Idan's thoughts shifted to strategy. With limited offensive skills and a role focused on support, he'd need to be cautious. It wasn't the path most players would choose, but he felt a spark of intrigue. The Medic's Hut had hinted at skills beyond healing—an aspect of the class that involved honing focus and precision, allowing for unique mental abilities. This potential for psychological combat appealed to him, matching his knack for subtlety and strategy.
He moved forward, alert for any signs of wounded players or NPCs. The first opportunity arose quickly—a young swordsman had stumbled into a group of hostile creatures called Forest Lurkers. The creatures were like foxes with elongated claws and sharp, gleaming eyes, each movement agile and aggressive. The swordsman swung wildly, fending off two of them, but a deep scratch on his arm suggested he was losing the fight.
"Need a hand?" Idan asked, stepping into view.
The swordsman nodded, a hint of relief crossing his face. "If you're a healer, I could use some backup. These Lurkers are no joke."
Idan nodded, activating Healing Touch as he approached. A warmth spread from his hands as he directed his focus to the swordsman's wound. The HUD glowed softly, indicating the skill in action, and the scratch began to close. The swordsman, now steadied, turned his attention back to the Lurkers, his grip on his sword renewed.
With Idan's support, they dispatched the creatures together, each kill adding a modest amount of experience to his HUD. The swordsman glanced at him once the fight was over, an appreciative nod his only thanks before he continued deeper into the forest. Idan didn't mind; he'd come to learn and survive, and this experience was just the beginning.
As he made his way through the forest, Idan encountered more players in need. The repetitive tasks of applying Healing Touch and stabilising wounds became routine, yet each encounter added to his confidence. By the time he completed the objective, he felt a subtle shift within himself, as if his mind was becoming more attuned to the game's mechanics.
[Quest Complete: First Aid in the Field]
Reward Unlocked: Cognitive Shield
The newly unlocked Cognitive Shield skill intrigued him. Its description read:
[Skill: Cognitive Shield]
Description: Medic's mental focus grants temporary defence against psychic and mental attacks, improving concentration.
Properties: Creates a mental shield, slightly increasing healing potency while active.
Cooldown: 10 minutes
Restriction: Medic class only, can be learned by any faction.
This was no ordinary healing ability—it hinted at the kind of mental resilience that could make him more than just a passive healer.
Feeling invigorated, he took a moment to explore this new skill, activating it cautiously. A faint barrier seemed to settle around his mind, and he felt a sharpened focus, as though the world around him had become a bit clearer. It was a subtle but powerful sensation, one that hinted at the possibilities within the Medic class's mental arts variant.
With his quest complete, Idan began heading back to the village, taking in the scenery as he went. The realism of Evo-Realm continued to surprise him. The trees swayed gently in the breeze, sunlight filtering through the leaves in a dance of shadow and light, and he couldn't shake the feeling that this world held secrets far beyond what he'd initially imagined.
Returning to the village, he passed groups of players chatting animatedly, exchanging information and recounting their early victories. The camaraderie was refreshing, yet Idan found himself more interested in the solo path, testing the limits of his own abilities without relying too heavily on others.
As he considered his next move, he felt a familiar warmth in his pocket—his link to the real world. Removing the VR headset, he blinked, adjusting to the dim lighting of his apartment. David was seated at the table, a notebook open in front of him as he scribbled notes on early game quests and class upgrades.
"Welcome back," David said, looking up with a grin. "How was your first forest run?"
"Good," Isaac replied, stretching his neck. "Met a few players, tested out my skills. I unlocked something called Cognitive Shield—seems like it's meant to help with focus and defence."
David's eyebrows shot up in interest. "Nice. That's an early unlock, isn't it? Sounds like the Medic class has more depth than just healing."
Isaac nodded, feeling a quiet satisfaction. "It does, but it's subtle. I'm guessing the real strength of the class isn't obvious until later on."
David smirked, jotting down a few more notes. "Sounds about right. That's how they get you. But, hey, I came across something in my village. Apparently, there's a rare class tutor here who knows about subclasses. Could be worth a shot once we're both levelled up."
Isaac filed the information away. At this stage, the Medic class was challenging enough, but the mention of subclasses hinted at a world of potential. He leaned back, watching David's enthusiasm, and felt a newfound determination settle within him.
Their shared experience in Evo-Realm was already taking shape, a world of strategy, skill, and hidden opportunities. And although they were starting in different villages, the promise of collaboration lay ahead, each step forward bringing them closer to whatever heights they could reach together.
For now, Isaac—Idan—would focus on honing his role in this strange, complex world. With skills like Cognitive Shield to bolster his abilities, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead, quietly building his strength.