Chapter 2: First Steps
As Logan moved through the back corridors of the university kitchen, new system notifications appeared before his eyes:
[Experience Update]
Total XP: 200
Level: 1 (200/500)
Killed Creatures:
D Class Goblin x3 (150 XP)
Bonus: First Blood (+25 XP) Combo Bonus (+25 XP)
He paused as he approached the emergency exit at the end of the corridor. The screams and sounds of chaos coming from outside indicated that the situation on campus was deteriorating rapidly. But what caught his attention was a new window that appeared above the fire extinguisher next to the door:
[Fire Extinguisher]
Quality: Common
Damage: 5-10 (Stun)
Durability: 15/15
Note: May be extra effective against creatures
"Interesting," Logan murmured as he took the fire extinguisher off the wall. "The system categorizes not only living things, but also objects."
Just then, he checked the message that came to his phone:
where are you? The situation is very bad. The company's private helicopter will land at the campus north sports field in 15 minutes. Your mother and I are waiting for you.
Logan smiled as he read the message. The Harris family's resources were once again in action. However, he would have to cross the entire campus to reach the north sports field.
[New Task: Meet Your Family]
Difficulty: Medium
Reward: ???
Duration: 15 Minutes
Failure: The helicopter may leave without you
He slightly opened the emergency exit door and looked outside. His eyes quickly scanned the surroundings:
[Environment Analysis]
Threat Level: High
Detected Creatures:
D Class Goblin Group (8) - 50m southeast C Class Troll (1) - 100m northwest B Class ??? (1) - Out of range
Human Presence: Medium density
Potential Routes:
Main road (High risk, fast) Back buildings (Low risk, slow) Underground tunnels (Unknown risk)
Logan's golden eyes gleamed. He knew Princeton's underground tunnels very well - he had mapped these tunnels last semester during the final week to sneak into the library.
Just as he was about to head for the underground entrance, a nearby scream caught his attention. Emma Thompson - the girl he knew from the cafeteria earlier - was cornered by three goblins.
[Emma Thompson]
Status: Critical
HP: 85/100
Stress Level: Very High
Note: High intelligence and analytical skills
Logan paused for a moment. Losing time to save Emma could mean missing the helicopter. Moreover, the girl was one of the few people who could sense his true nature.
But...
"Damn it," he muttered, stepping out of the shadows. "She might be useful to me in the future."
As he took a Wing Chun stance, the system displayed a new notification:
[New Task: Rescue Emma]
Difficulty: Low
Reward: ???
Duration: 2 Minutes
Note: Side quest accepted
Before the first goblin could even understand what was happening, Logan's fist struck its throat. The precise point strikes he had practiced for years were also effective against these creatures.
[Critical Hit!]
Damage: 45
Bonus: Precise Point (+20)
As the second goblin attacked with its club, Logan sidestepped with an Aikido technique. Using the creature's own momentum, he threw it onto the third goblin.
[Combo x2!]
Total Damage: 65
Bonus: Momentum Control (+15)
"This... this is incredible," Emma said, her eyes wide as she watched Logan.
After neutralizing the last goblin, Logan turned to the girl. "I'm going to the underground tunnels. Do you want to come with me and get on the helicopter?"
[New Ability Acquired: The Art of Persuasion]
[Emma Thompson's Trust Level: Increased]
Emma paused for a moment, then nodded. "Coming with you will be safer than staying alone... I guess."
Logan smiled slightly. Emma's intelligence and analytical skills could indeed be useful to him in the future. Moreover, having someone know his true nature... well, that added a certain thrill to things.
"This way," he said, heading towards the entrance of the underground tunnels. "And Emma... about what happened just now..."
"Don't worry," the girl interrupted. "Your secret is safe with me."
[Relationship Status: Emma Thompson]
Previous: Wary
New: Ally
Loyalty: Low
Trust: Medium
Availability: High
As Logan stared at the dark tunnel before him, a plan was already forming in his mind. In this new world, he would need powerful allies. And Emma... well, that was just the beginning.
[New Status Acquired: First Ally]
[Bonus Ability Unlocked: Bonds of Loyalty]
As he entered the underground tunnels, the glint in Logan's eyes deepened. The world was changing, and he would be at the very center of this change.
After all, every great empire was built with small steps.
to be continued...