Kael couldn't shake the feeling of unreality as he walked down the cobblestone path toward the small wooden cottages of Evergrove.
A translucent digital map hovered near his peripheral vision, its faint glow casting a soft light against the dimming afternoon. The map marked his path clearly, guiding him with glowing arrows and subtle pings.
Despite its helpfulness, it only added to the strange dichotomy of his reality—a blend of the rustic world around him and the undeniable presence of the system's artificial interface.
The villagers moved about with the easy rhythm of a life undisturbed by chaos. Children ran by, their laughter rippling through the air like birdsong. A blacksmith hammered at an anvil, sparks flying as he shaped glowing metal, while a baker sold fresh loaves from a small stall.
Yet, beneath the peaceful surface, Kael could sense an undercurrent of unease.
"Everything here feels too perfect," Kael muttered, his hand instinctively brushing against the hilt of his rusty, starter-grade sword, a reward from the beginner's chest. "Like it's trying to lull me into letting my guard down."
"Ahhhhh. This is great!" the entity exclaimed. Its translucent form shimmered faintly in the soft light filtering through the treetops, a stark contrast to the rustic charm of Evergrove ahead.
"I was cooped up in slumber for far too long," the entity murmured, its voice carrying a mix of wonder and exhilaration. "To be awake, to roam freely once more—it's refreshing, to say the least."
Kael glanced sideways, raising an eyebrow at the entity's enthusiasm. It was hard to tell if its presence was comforting or unnerving, though he suspected it was both.
"Tell me. If you're not my System Guide, then what are you?" Kael asked, his curiosity pulling him forward. "You seem to know the system well. Are you... a dead player?"
The Entity glanced at him sideways, its gaze unreadable. It shook its head slowly before replying, "Again. I'm not purposely not telling you. Your level is still too low right now. Get stronger first. If it's any consolation, my task is also to assist and guide you—just not as a System Guide."
Kael frowned, his mind churning. If not as a System Guide... then as what?
He mulled over the possibilities, but the answers eluded him. He was still a novice in this world, particularly in Ascension. It wasn't a game he had played before, though he had heard plenty about it from his classmates.
"This is just the beginning, Kael!" the entity continued, its tone brimming with fervor. "Every legend starts with humble origins. And soon… your story will be written."
The words hung in the air, charged with an almost tangible energy. Kael sighed, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
"No pressure, then," he muttered, but deep down, he couldn't deny the faint stirrings of anticipation. "Just so you know, I'm collecting herbs for my first quest, not saving the world."
The entity gave him a chastising look. "Every hero must start somewhere. Besides, the Town Elder should be a respected figure. Completing his task could open doors to greater opportunities."
Kael sighed but nodded; his curiosity piqued as he reached the largest house in the village. A modest, two-story building with a thatched roof and climbing ivy stood apart from the others. Kael pushed the creaky wooden door open and stepped inside.
The room was dimly lit, a faint aroma of herbs and old parchment filling the air. Seated at a desk piled high with scrolls and bottles of strange liquids was the Town Elder. A wizened man with deep-set eyes, his long beard streaked with gray, looked up at Kael's entrance.
"Ah, you must be a newcomer," the Elder said, his voice rasping like the crackle of dry leaves. "Welcome to Evergrove."
Kael inclined his head awkwardly. "Thanks. So, uh, I heard you need help?"
The Elder's gaze sharpened, and for a moment, Kael felt as though the man was peering into the depths of his soul. "Indeed. Though it may seem simple, this task will test your resolve."
A quest notification appeared in Kael's vision:
[Quest Received: Gathering Healing Herbs
Difficulty: Basic
Objective: Collect 5 Glowpetal Herbs from the Whispering Glade.
Reward: 50 EXP, 50 Coins, Minor Health Potion]
"Glowpetal herbs grow in the Whispering Glade, a short journey north of here," the Elder explained. "But beware, the place is dangerous. Creatures corrupted by Darkspawn energy have been sighted nearby."
Kael frowned. "Corruption already? Isn't this supposed to be the beginner area?"
The entity chimed in with its calm voice. "And maybe that's why you're perfect for the job. A bit of danger keeps things exciting."
"Exciting, huh?" Kael muttered. "Fine, I'll handle it. Any advice?"
"Trust your instincts," the Elder said cryptically, his eyes lingering on Kael's Rebirth Core symbol. "And don't underestimate the value of preparation."
Kael left the Elder's house. After purchasing a worn leather armor set and a handful of basic health potions with the meager coins the system had gifted him, he set out toward the Whispering Glade.
The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds. Sunlight dappled the forest floor through the canopy above, but as Kael ventured deeper, the light began to wane, shadows thickening ominously. The air grew colder, and a faint, acrid stench lingered on the breeze.
"Let me guess," Kael muttered, gripping his sword tightly. "That smell is trouble."
The Entity nodded solemnly. "Corruption taints this area. Stay alert."
It didn't take long for Kael to find the first Glowpetal plant. Its petals shimmered with an ethereal blue light, standing out starkly against the dark undergrowth. Just as he reached out to pluck it, a low growl sent shivers down his spine.
From the shadows emerged a creature that could only be described as a nightmare given form. It resembled a wolf but with blackened, matted fur and glowing red eyes. Dark veins pulsed across its body, and its claws gleamed like obsidian.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[Darkspawn—Level 3]
Entering battle mode.
"Darkspawn Beast: Level 3," the entity whispered urgently. "Be careful, Kael!"
Kael's heart pounded as the creature snarled and lunged. He barely had time to dodge, the beast's claws slicing through the air where his head had been moments before. His rusty sword felt inadequate in his hands, but he gritted his teeth and swung wildly.
The blade connected, leaving a shallow gash on the creature's flank. It howled in fury, red eyes blazing as it turned on him with renewed aggression.
"Damn it, this thing's faster than I expected!" Kael muttered, narrowly avoiding another swipe. He stumbled, the creature's claws raking across his armor and leaving deep gouges.
His health bar dropped alarmingly.
HP: 43/100
"Think, Kael, think!" he berated himself. "I need a strategy."
The creature lunged again, and this time, Kael sidestepped, driving his blade into its exposed side. The beast yelped, staggering, and Kael pressed the advantage, slashing at its legs to cripple its movement.
"Yes!" Kael shouted as the beast collapsed, its corrupted body dissolving into black mist. A triumphant notification appeared before him.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Darkspawn Beast Defeated
All stats increase by 1
EXP: +300
Dark Essence: x 6
Coins: 250
SP: +1
Breathing heavily, Kael leaned on his sword for support. His hands trembled, but a grin spread across his face. "I actually did it."
"Good job!" the entity remarked. "But don't get cocky. There's more danger ahead."
Kael groaned but pushed himself upright. He collected the Glowpetal and pressed on.
********
By the time Kael had gathered the fourth Glowpetal, his nerves were frayed. Each step felt heavier, the oppressive atmosphere of the glade gnawing at his resolve. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
As he reached for the fifth plant, a sinister laugh echoed through the trees.
Kael froze, every instinct screaming at him to run. From the shadows stepped a humanoid figure cloaked in darkness, its face obscured by a hood. A dagger glinted in its hand, dripping with a dark, viscous liquid.
"Another lamb to the slaughter," the figure hissed, its voice a chilling whisper. "How fortunate."
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
[Mini Boss Level Detected]
Darkspawn Stalker: Level 5
Entering battle mode.
Kael's blood ran cold. "Great. A mini-boss."
The Stalker lunged without warning, its dagger slicing toward Kael's throat. He barely raised his sword in time, the impact sending shockwaves up his arm. The force of the blow drove him to his knees.
"You're outmatched, Ascendant," the Stalker sneered. "Surrender your soul to the abyss."
Kael's mind raced. His health was dangerously low, and the Stalker's movements were impossibly fast. But then he remembered the Elder's words: Trust your instincts.
Dodging the next attack by a hair's breadth, Kael focused on the Stalker's patterns. It was fast, but its attacks were predictable. Timing his movements, he managed to land a counterstrike, his blade slicing across its torso.
The Stalker hissed in pain, its form flickering like a dying flame. "You'll regret that."
Kael didn't give it a chance to recover. Summoning every ounce of strength, he launched himself at the Stalker, driving his sword into its chest. The creature let out a final, unearthly scream before dissolving into nothingness.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Darkspawn Stalker Defeated
All stats increase by 2
EXP: +100
Dark Essence: x 10
Coins: 350
SP: +2
Level Up!
Kael collapsed to the ground, his chest heaving. He felt a surge of energy as his stats increased, but exhaustion quickly overtook him.
"Well," he panted, staring up at the canopy, "that was... something."
"Well done, Kael!" the entity complimented. "You're officially Level 3!"
Kael managed a weak laugh. "And only almost died twice. Not bad for my first day."
As he collected the final Glowpetal, a new notification appeared.
[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]
Collected 5 Glowpetal Herbs.
As Kael turned to leave the glade, a faint whisper reached his ears, sending chills down his spine.
"Beware, Rebirth Core... They are coming for you."
Kael froze, his grip tightening on his sword. "Who's 'they'?"
The forest offered no answers, only an eerie silence.