Chapter 3 - Growth

(human system on. You have been given a "Beginner's Pack." Would you like to open it?)

You are currently unconscious. The system will automatically open the pack. You have obtained "Invincible Vein" and "Wind Blade." Would you like to accept these gifts?

(You are still unconscious. Accept confirmed. Now transferring the Invincible Vein. Upon completion of the transfer, you shall be completely healed, and even demons below Rank 3 cannot hurt you anymore.)

(Transfer in 3, 2, 1.)

---

Lucas's chest heaved as his eyes fluttered open. The agony that had once gripped him was now no more than a fading echo. He gasped for breath, his hands digging into the rough earth beneath him as he fought to steady himself.

"What. What's going on?" he rasped, his voice hoarse from the strain. "I remember. the demon. It should've killed me."

Expectations of his body being blown apart brought his gaze down; however, his skin was intact and didn't house a single wound. It beat faster, and, more dazed than ever, all explanation about his sudden irrational survival seemed to be the last thing on his thoughts.

(You have connected with the system. Invincible Vein - Beginner's Pack. You are safe against demons below Rank 3.)

Who said that?" Lucas growled, his eyes snapping around in the dark, seeking the source of the unfamiliar voice in his head.

(This is the voice of the system integrated into your consciousness.)

"System?" His brow furrowed, a disquieting feeling of incredulity rising. "What's going on? What am I?"

(The system is a tool to help develop and improve your abilities.)

Lucas exhaled sharply, his tension easing just a fraction. "I don't know what kind of trick this is, but if it helps me survive, I'll take it."

(Your Beginner's Pack includes a weapon: the Wind Blade.)

"A weapon? Yes! Give it to me!" Lucas barked, his voice tinged with desperation.

(Transferring weapon in 3, 2, 1.)

---

Before him, a flash of emerald light compacted into a sleek razor-sharp blade. The edge shone like a predator's eyes; its hilt fitted perfectly in his hand.

"So, this is the Wind Blade," Lucas muttered under his breath. His fingers wrapped tightly over the weapon, and when he swung it through the air in an experimental manner, a thrilling sense of exhilaration surged within him.

"For the first time. I have a chance to fight back," he said, his voice shaking with new determination in his eyes.

---

"System, show me my stats," he demanded, clenching the blade's handle tightly in his hand in anticipation of every advantage it could offer.

(Name: Lucas. Level: 1. Age: 24. Height: 180 cm. Weight: 50 kg.

Attributes: Strength: F, Speed: F, Endurance: F, Willpower: S, Perception: C, Psychic Power: F.)

(Weapon: Wind Blade (Class C). Attack Power: 3. Sharpness: 7. When equipped, increases speed by 20%.)

"So, these are my stats," Lucas murmured, a faint grin playing at the corners of his lips. "I'm weak now, but that won't last long."

(Mission issued: Beginner's Quest – Defeat 10 Level 1 demons. Reward: Basic Sword Technique.)

(Each kill grants experience points. When enough are accumulated, your level will rise.)

"This. this could be fun," Lucas muttered, his eyes narrowing as he watched the writhing silhouettes of demons on the horizon. He strode forward without a second thought, his pulse quickening in anticipation of battle.

"Demon number 110," Lucas muttered to himself, his blade flashing lethal grace as he sliced through the creature. The first quest had required ten kills. The second would demand one hundred. Now, with this final demon fallen, a notification buzzed in his mind.

(You have completed the quest. Reward: Basic Evasion Technique obtained.)

(Name: Lucas. Level: 8. Attributes: Strength: F, Speed: F, Endurance: F, Willpower: S, Perception: C, Psychic Power: F. Techniques: Basic Swordsmanship, Basic Evasion.)

New quest issued: Kill 10 Rank 2 demons, 5 Rank 3 demons, and 1 Rank 4 demon. Reward: Basic Psychic Technique.

Lucas wiped the sweat off his brow and let out a heavy sigh. "A Rank 4 demon, huh? That's gonna be a challenge."

(Skill points available to enhance attributes.)

"Then enhance my speed," Lucas said with determination. "If I can hit faster and retreat even quicker, I might stand a chance."

(Speed enhanced to B. Skill points remaining: 0.)

---

Outside the city gates, Lucas handed his identification card to the guard.

"You're still alive?" he asked with clear disbelief in his tone.

"I hid well," Lucas replied matter-of-factly, dusting the bloodstains from his clothes. A faint smile quirked his lips as he began heading home. "System," he whispered, almost inaudibly.

Congratulations, mission complete. Rewards: Basic Psychic Technique learnt.

(Name: Lucas. Level: 13. Attributes: Strength: F, Speed: B, Endurance: F, Willpower: S, Perception: C, Psychic Power: F. Techniques: Basic Swordsmanship, Basic Evasion.)

"Allocate all remaining skill points to Psychic Power," Lucas commanded, eager to test his new potential.

(Psychic Power upgraded to C. Skill points: 0.)

Lucas stared at his hands, a faint aura flickering around his fingers. A slow, satisfied grin spread across his face. "With this power. I'll change everything."