Chapter 2: The Road to Strength
Eren's heart raced as he stood in the middle of the forest, sweat dripping from his brow. He had been fighting nonstop for hours, using his Flame Burst again and again to take down the wild beasts that roamed the woods. His mana reserves were running low, but he wasn't about to stop. Not now.
His eyes scanned the area. The sound of rustling leaves and heavy footsteps drew his attention to a Wild Boar that had appeared through the brush. Its tusks were sharp, and its eyes were filled with aggression.
Eren gritted his teeth. "I can do this."
He raised his hand, focusing all his energy into the Flame Burst. The fireball shot forward, hitting the boar square in the chest, and the beast let out a wild squeal before collapsing to the ground.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
You have defeated a Wild Boar!
+10 EXP
EXP: 10/110
Eren paused for a moment, breathing heavily. His Flame Burst had gotten stronger since he had first started using it, but he could still feel the strain on his mana reserves. He drank a Mana Potion to restore some of the energy he had expended and quickly checked his status.
Eren's Status:
CLASS: Fire Mage (Tier 1)
Class Level: 2
EXP: 10/110
Attributes:
Strength: 8Agility: 10Vitality: 12Intelligence: 20Wisdom: 18Mana: 30
Mana Regeneration: 18 per minute (based on Wisdom: 18 * 1)
Stat Points Available: 5 (allocated to Mana)
Skill Points Available: 1
Skills Unlocked:
Flame Burst (Tier 1): Level 1Inferno Shield (Tier 1): Level 1Mana Regeneration (Tier 1): Level 1Fire Control (Passive): Level 1
After quickly allocating his Stat Points into Mana—a decision that felt right every time—he resumed his fight against the beasts of the forest.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
You have defeated a Forest Wolf!
+10 EXP
EXP: 90/110
By now, Eren had gotten used to the rhythm of battle. Flame Burst had grown more effective with his increased Intelligence, and his Mana Regeneration was keeping up with the constant demand for his magic. His Inferno Shield was also becoming more reliable, absorbing damage from the monsters' attacks.
The Mana Potions he carried with him helped to replenish his Mana whenever he started to run low, but they weren't infinite. Eren knew he had to be efficient and strategic in using them. He couldn't rely on them forever.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
You have defeated a Wild Boar!
+10 EXP
EXP: 100/110
LEVEL UP!
Fire Mage Level 3
EXP: 0/120
Skill Points Available: 2
Eren smiled as the notification appeared in front of him. He was making progress, but there was still much work to be done. As always, he allocated his stat points to Mana, his highest priority. With every increase, his Mana reserves grew larger, and his Mana Regeneration increased as well.
He fought for hours more, taking on wolves and boars. He felt his spells grow more powerful with every encounter, his Flame Burst burning brighter and stronger. With each monster he defeated, he got closer to his goal.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
You have defeated a Forest Wolf!
+10 EXP
EXP: 120/120
LEVEL UP!
Fire Mage Level 4
EXP: 0/130
Skill Points Available: 3
The exhaustion was beginning to take its toll, but Eren pushed forward. The grind was relentless, but he was determined. He didn't have time to rest. Not yet.
He grabbed another Mana Potion, chugging it down quickly to keep his Mana levels high. The cooling sensation washed over him, and within moments, he felt his energy return. There was no stopping now.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
You have defeated a Wild Boar!
+10 EXP
EXP: 130/130
LEVEL UP!
Fire Mage Level 5
EXP: 0/140
Skill Points Available: 4
Eren paused as the notification rang in his ears. He had done it. He had reached Level 5, and with it, he unlocked a new skill.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:
New Skill Unlocked!
Flame Wave (Tier 1) – Unleashes a wave of fire in front of the caster, burning enemies in its path. Level 1.
Eren grinned widely. The new skill was exactly what he needed—a more powerful offensive spell. It would help him clear out monsters faster, which would be essential as he continued his grind.
His body was sore from the continuous battle, but the thought of new skills and increased strength pushed him to keep going. The night had fallen completely by now, and the forest was quiet. Eren had earned his rest. But he wouldn't stop. Not yet.
Eren's Status:
CLASS: Fire Mage (Tier 1)
Class Level: 5
EXP: 0/140
Attributes:
Strength: 8Agility: 10Vitality: 12Intelligence: 35Wisdom: 33Mana: 75
Mana Regeneration: 33 per minute (based on Wisdom: 33 * 1)
Stat Points Available: 5 (allocated to Mana)
Skill Points Available: 4
Skills Unlocked:
Flame Burst (Tier 1): Level 1Inferno Shield (Tier 1): Level 1Mana Regeneration (Tier 1): Level 1Fire Control (Passive): Level 1Flame Wave (Tier 1): Level 1
Eren smiled, eyes glinting with determination. He had a long way to go, but now he had the tools to face the future. His journey had only just begun, and there were still monsters to fight and levels to gain.