The forest behind him and the village saved, Arin journeyed toward the horizon, guided by the faint echoes of his system's objectives and his growing thirst for knowledge. He had learned much during his first day in this world, but it was clear that his journey was just beginning.
"This world is vast," Arin mused, gazing at the towering mountains in the distance. "If I'm to conquer it, I need more than raw power. I need strategy, knowledge, and allies—or at least pawns."
The Crimson Moon Guild
The first sign of civilization came in the form of a bustling town nestled at the base of the mountains. High walls surrounded it, and guards in polished armor patrolled its gates. Above the gate, a large banner flapped in the wind, emblazoned with a crimson crescent moon.
Arin approached cautiously, blending into the crowd of merchants and travelers waiting to enter.
"Halt!" A guard stepped forward, scrutinizing Arin. "State your purpose."
"I'm a wandering cultivator seeking to join the Crimson Moon Guild," Arin replied evenly, recalling snippets of information he'd overheard from passing merchants.
The guard raised an eyebrow. "Another hopeful, eh? Very well, proceed. But mind yourself—causing trouble in this town is a quick way to lose your head."
Arin nodded and stepped through the gates.
The town was alive with activity. Stalls lined the streets, selling everything from weapons and potions to exotic beasts. Cultivators of varying strength roamed the streets, their auras flaring briefly as they passed one another.
Arin's system chimed softly.
[Location: Crimson Moon Town]
[Quest Available: Prove Your Worth to the Guild.]
Objective: Pass the initiation trial of the Crimson Moon Guild.
Reward: Access to guild resources, training grounds, and classified information.
"This is my way in," Arin thought, his lips curling into a faint smile.
The Initiation Trial
The Crimson Moon Guild's headquarters was an imposing structure of dark stone, its spires reaching into the sky. Inside, the atmosphere was no less intimidating. Rows of cultivators trained in the massive hall, their strikes shaking the air with raw power.
A clerk behind a desk glanced up as Arin approached.
"Name?"
"Arin."
The clerk scribbled something in a ledger. "You're here for the initiation trial?"
Arin nodded.
"Very well. The trial is simple—survive in the Wildlands for three days and return with a Crimson Serpent's fang. Many have failed, so don't get your hopes up."
Into the Wildlands
The Wildlands lay beyond the town's eastern border, a treacherous expanse teeming with dangerous creatures. As Arin entered, the air grew heavier, charged with latent energy.
His system pinged again.
[Environment Analyzed: Wildlands.]
Threat Level: Moderate to High
Known Creatures: Crimson Serpent, Shadow Panther, Venomous Fangbat
Arin's fingers tightened around the hilt of a sword he'd purchased in the town. While his shadow abilities were formidable, he knew better than to rely solely on them.
"First, I need to locate a Crimson Serpent," he muttered, scanning his surroundings.
The forest was alive with movement—branches swayed, and leaves rustled as unseen predators prowled. Arin moved cautiously, his senses heightened.
A Deadly Encounter
Hours into his journey, Arin heard the telltale hiss of a serpent. He froze, his eyes darting toward the sound. Emerging from the underbrush was a Crimson Serpent, its scales gleaming like polished ruby and its eyes glowing with malice.
[Enemy Identified: Crimson Serpent]
Level: 25
Threat Level: High
The serpent lunged, its fangs aimed directly at Arin's throat. He rolled to the side, summoning tendrils of shadow to form a barrier. The serpent's fangs sank into the shadows, but Arin's construct held firm.
"Let's test this," he muttered, activating his upgraded skill.
[Skill Activated: Abyssal Dominion]
The shadows around him surged, forming into a spear that shot toward the serpent. It struck true, piercing the creature's side. The serpent writhed in pain, its movements growing erratic.
Arin didn't relent. He dashed forward, his sword slicing through the air. The blade cut deep into the serpent's neck, severing its head with a single strike.
[+1,000,000 EXP gained.]
[With 100,000x EXP Modifier, you have gained 100,000,000,000 EXP.]
[Level Up! Current Level: 50.]
Arin staggered as the surge of energy coursed through him. His stats skyrocketed, and new skills became available.
[New Skill Unlocked: Shadowstep]
[Effect]: Allows instantaneous movement through shadows within a 10-meter radius.
"Power like this… I could dominate this world," Arin thought, his hands trembling with excitement.
A New Foe
As Arin bent to retrieve the serpent's fang, he sensed a presence behind him. He spun around, shadows coiling around him defensively.
A man stepped out from the shadows, his aura radiating danger. He wore the insignia of the Crimson Moon Guild and carried a wicked-looking dagger.
"Well, well," the man drawled. "You're quite skilled for a newcomer. But unfortunately for you, that fang is mine."
Arin's eyes narrowed. "You'd attack your own guild's candidate?"
The man shrugged. "The guild doesn't care how we get the fang, only that we return with one. Hand it over, and I'll let you live."
Arin smirked. "You've made a mistake thinking I'm an easy target."
The fight was brutal. The man was fast, his dagger flashing like lightning. But Arin's newly acquired skills gave him the edge. Using Shadowstep, he closed the distance in an instant, his sword slashing across the man's chest.
The man collapsed, clutching his wound. "You… You're a monster," he gasped.
Arin leaned down, his expression cold. "Remember this moment the next time you think about betraying someone."
With that, he walked away, the Crimson Serpent's fang securely in his grasp.
Returning to the Guild
Three days later, Arin stood before the Crimson Moon Guild's overseer, presenting the fang.
"You survived," the overseer said, his tone laced with surprise. "And you brought the fang. Impressive."
The overseer gestured for Arin to follow. "Welcome to the Crimson Moon Guild. From this moment forward, you'll have access to our resources and training. Use them wisely."
Arin nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. The guild was a stepping stone, a means to an end. With its resources, he could grow stronger and uncover the secrets of this world—and beyond.