Evrenos' life progressed with nearly the same rhythm every day: working alongside his father during the day, honing his hunting skills, and at night practicing the Iron Shirt Technique. His father Mehmet's scouting and hunting knowledge had provided him with an incredible foundation. Thanks to his father's teachings and his systematic efforts, he was quickly mastering the art of hunting. Skills such as tracking animal footprints, masking his scent, and predicting an animal's movements were developing rapidly.
One evening, he and his father went into the forest. Mehmet noticed deer tracks and knelt to examine the soil.
"Look, Evrenos," he said, pointing to the edge of the track with his finger. "This is fresh. It must have passed through here within the last few hours. The soil around the footprint is still soft."
Evrenos watched his father intently. "Where could it have gone?"
"Towards the water. Animals descend to drink at the end of the day. Knowing this is a hunter's greatest advantage."
Etching this advice into his mind, Evrenos followed the tracks alongside his father. Eventually, they found a deer by the riverbank. At his father's signal, they knelt quietly, preparing their bow and arrows. Mehmet whispered softly: "Keep the wind at your back. Don't let your scent reach the deer."
Evrenos began to draw the bowstring as his father had shown. Eyes locked on his prey, his heart pounded as he struggled to control his breathing. This was not just a hunt for him but a test of his abilities. The moment he released the arrow, it struck the deer's flank. The deer staggered and fell, and his father smiled, gently patting Evrenos on the shoulder.
"Well done, son. A hunter's patience and focus are his greatest weapons. Never forget that."
At that moment, a new panel appeared before Evrenos' eyes:
[Archery]
Level: 1/50
Evrenos paused in surprise, but noticing his father's gaze, he quickly composed himself. A wave of excitement rose within him. A new skill path had opened. "Archery, too… can be developed," he thought. The panel disappeared shortly after.
As they carried the deer back to the village, another panel caught his attention:
[Hunting]
Level: 5/50
Seeing the progress on the panel brought Evrenos a deep sense of satisfaction. "I need to grow faster," he thought. He knew this was only the beginning of his journey to power.
That night, after everyone had fallen asleep, he returned to the stone quarry clearing. His entire body ached, but that wasn't an obstacle for him. He had understood how the technique worked: locking his muscles and controlling his breath activated his body's biological energy. However, to increase this energy, he needed protein and proper rest. By eating plenty of the meat he hunted during the day, his recovery process had quickened.
Evrenos repeated the instructions written on the old paper once again:
"To forge your body like iron, you must endure pain. Control your breath and repeat..."
Clenching his muscles, he began to practice the technique. On the first few attempts, he fell to his knees. The pain was so intense that it stole his breath. But he didn't give up. "Once more," he murmured. With every motion, the progress on the panel grew slightly.
By dawn, he saw his technique level rise:
[Iron Shirt Technique]
Level: 12/100
This progress was the result of his discipline and the abundance of meat he consumed. Yet Evrenos knew it wasn't enough. To grow faster, he needed to change his approach. Memories of his past life resurfaced. He began recalling the biology and training techniques he had learned at a university level. Analyzing how muscles worked, how energy was expended, and how efficiency could be improved, he thought:
"Instead of overworking the same muscles, I should train different areas in sequence. If I manage rest periods correctly, my recovery will speed up."
This analysis led him to train more systematically. He reconsidered and adjusted his training plan on paper and put it into practice. By morning, his progress had accelerated.
At breakfast, his father Mehmet furrowed his brows as he looked at him.
"Evrenos, you look pale again. Are you sick?"
Evrenos shook his head. "No, father, I'm just a bit tired."
Mehmet let out a deep breath. "Being strong in this world is important, but what use is strength if you wear yourself out? A hunter must know when to rest as well."
Evrenos smiled at his father, concealing the fire burning within him. "You're right, father. I'll be careful."
But inwardly, he thought: "If I want to survive in this world, I must do more than everyone else."
Silently growing stronger through the opportunities the panel provided, Evrenos was adapting more to this world every day. His goals were now clear: fully master the technique, advance his archery, and elevate his hunting skills to the highest level.
Over time, stones, wood, and animals would cease to be challenges, and he would face far greater difficulties. But Evrenos was ready. "Strength comes from the unseen," he repeated to himself as he made a vow.
This world only accepted the strong. And he would be strong.