Chapter 2: The Path to Civilization
The sun hung low in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and crimson as Kang Hojin trekked toward the village marked on his map. The wilderness that had once threatened to consume him was now a distant memory. Each step brought him closer to the unknown, his mind buzzing with questions. What kind of place was this village? Would it welcome a wanderer like him, or would he face hostility?
Hojin gripped the dagger at his side, its blade chipped from countless encounters in the wild. Though his skills had grown, he couldn't afford to lower his guard. The system's quests had taught him that danger could lurk anywhere, even in the most unexpected places.
As the village came into view, Hojin's steps faltered. Smoke rose from chimneys, and the faint murmur of life reached his ears—the chatter of merchants, the laughter of children, the occasional bark of a dog. It was a stark contrast to the silence of the wilderness.
The system chimed softly:
[Quest Progress: Enter the Village]
Distance Remaining: 200 meters.
Hojin exhaled deeply. "This is it," he murmured. "No turning back now."
The village gates were modest, constructed of weathered wood and flanked by two guards clad in simple armor. Their expressions were weary but vigilant as they eyed Hojin's approach.
"Halt," one of the guards commanded, stepping forward. "State your name and purpose."
Hojin raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "My name is Kang Hojin. I'm a traveler seeking refuge and work."
The guard scrutinized him for a moment, his gaze lingering on Hojin's tattered clothes and lean frame. "Where are you from?"
Hojin hesitated. The truth—that he had no home or family—wasn't something he wanted to share. "From a distant village," he replied vaguely. "It was destroyed by bandits. I've been wandering ever since."
The guard's expression softened, though suspicion lingered in his eyes. "You'll find no trouble here, as long as you follow the rules. Cause any problems, and you'll answer to us."
Hojin nodded. "Understood."
The guards stepped aside, and Hojin entered the village. The system chimed once more:
[Quest Complete: Enter the Village]
Reward: Iron Sword, 100 Experience Points.
A flash of light appeared in Hojin's inventory, and he quickly retrieved the iron sword. It was a simple weapon, unadorned but sturdy, its blade gleaming with sharpness. He smiled, feeling a surge of confidence. With this weapon, he could handle whatever challenges lay ahead.
The village was bustling with activity. Stalls lined the main street, selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted wares. Blacksmiths hammered away at glowing metal, while vendors shouted over one another to attract customers. Hojin's stomach growled as the scent of roasted meat wafted through the air.
He approached a food stall manned by a burly man with a kind smile. "How much for a skewer?" Hojin asked, pointing to the sizzling meat on display.
"Two copper coins," the vendor replied.
Hojin frowned. He had no money to his name. As if sensing his predicament, the system chimed:
[New Quest: Earn Your Keep]
Objective: Perform tasks in the village to earn 10 copper coins.
Time Limit: 12 hours.
Reward: Increased Favorability with Villagers, Basic Movement Technique Manual.
Failure Consequence: Negative Reputation in the Village.
"Of course," Hojin muttered under his breath. He turned to the vendor. "I'll be back."
The man chuckled. "Take your time, young one. Hunger waits for no man."
Hojin scanned the area, searching for opportunities to earn money. His eyes landed on a woman struggling to lift a large sack of grain. Without hesitation, he approached her.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
The woman looked up, startled, then smiled gratefully. "Oh, yes, please. This sack is heavier than I expected."
Hojin hoisted the sack onto his shoulder with ease, his training in the wilderness making the task seem trivial. He followed the woman to her stall and placed the sack down gently.
"Thank you, young man," she said, handing him a single copper coin. "It's not much, but it's all I can offer."
Hojin accepted the coin with a nod. "Every little bit helps."
Over the next few hours, Hojin took on various tasks—hauling goods, chopping firewood, and even repairing a broken cart. By the time the sun began to set, he had earned 12 copper coins.
[Quest Complete: Earn Your Keep]
Reward: Increased Favorability with Villagers, Basic Movement Technique Manual.
Another rush of information flooded Hojin's mind as he received the manual. The techniques focused on footwork—swift and precise movements that allowed a fighter to evade attacks and reposition themselves in battle. He practiced the basics in a quiet corner of the village, his confidence growing with each step.
As night fell, Hojin returned to the food stall and handed the vendor two copper coins. The man grinned and handed him a skewer. "Enjoy, young one."
Hojin bit into the meat, savoring its smoky flavor. For the first time in weeks, he felt truly content. The village had welcomed him, and the system had given him the tools to survive and thrive.
But Hojin knew this was only the beginning. The world of Murim was vast and treacherous, filled with warriors, sects, and secrets waiting to be uncovered. If he wanted to rise above it all, he would need more than strength—he would need allies, knowledge, and unwavering resolve.
As he gazed at the moonlit sky, Hojin clenched his fist. "I'll make my mark on this world. No matter what it takes."