The next day, Aldric was both anxious and focused as he got ready for his scouting mission. Accepting it was his only option because his system's survival—and maybe his own—depended on it. "Sigh...there is no point in hesitating now. Time to see what I'm really made of," he mumbled, strapping his belt tightly around his waist. His sword felt heavier than usual, though he was determined to make good use of it. The well-worn straps of the leather armor Torvin had provided him fit tightly across his chest as he strapped it on. The subtle scent of the sweat and oil on the equipment was a reminder of the countless wars it had witnessed. It wasn't much protection against the unknown, but it was better than nothing. His mind wandered to the system, and he wondered if it had anything else to offer. "STATUS," he muttered under his breath, the word slipping out like a half-formed thought. The glowing panel materialized once again, hovering before him in its ethereal blue panel. Attributes: Strength: 12 Agility: 11 Intelligence: 9 Vitality: 10" I thought after training some time the stats will began to increase ,maybe after leveling up they will increase ." He really hoped his stats will increase which would increase his survival change into the wild. Then he looked at the quest . [Current Task: Prove your loyalty to the alliance by completing a scouting mission. Reward: Skill upgrade and additional features unlocked. Failure: System deactivation.] The system's cryptic message about unlocking "additional features" did little to quell his anxiety. [What does that even mean? Will it unlock the Shop or Chat? Or is there something more to it?] (knock ....knock)The knock on his door pulled him out of his thoughts. A young guard stood on the other side, his armor slightly too big for his frame. He stated plainly, "The captain is waiting for you," showing no signs of the uneasiness Aldric was experiencing. Despite the early hour, there was a lot going on in the town square, with merchants erecting their stalls and kids running after one another. Aldric discovered Captain Edran next to the eastern entrance, with two soldiers standing on either side of his commanding presence. He waved Aldric over while holding a map with the other hand. "Good morning," said the captain in a sharp voice. "I hope you've had some rest. Although this goal is simple, it is crucial. Activity has been observed close to the eastern woods. They may be bandits, or worse. It's your job to survey the area, note anything out of the ordinary, and report back. Do you understand? Aldric nodded. "Understood. What's the worst I might run into out there?"Edran's expression darkened. "If it's bandits, you can handle it. If it's something else... well, don't play the hero , because you are not ." He handed Aldric the map, its edges worn and creased. "Stay sharp. Trust your instincts. "Aldric tucked the map into his pack, the weight of it suddenly heavier than he expected. He adjusted his gear one last time, his fingers lingering over the leather straps of his armor. A deep, unsettling feeling gnawed at him. He glanced up, noticing the guards standing by the gate, their eyes fixed on him with an odd, almost detached expression. They weren't staring at him with concern or respect—no, it was something else. Their gaze was colder, more distant. It made his chest tighten, as if they already expected him to fail. A bitter taste rose in his mouth.[They don't expect me to come back, do they?]One deep breath, then another. The smell of damp dirt filled the air, and the far-off activity of the town seemed so far away. He and the trees were alone in that moment.Instead of feeling stronger and more resolute, he felt as though a huge burden of doubt and uncertainty was bearing down on him. Did he truly expect this? Was he even capable of surviving in the wild?The system's cold, impassive voice echoed in his mind: Failure: System deactivation. Failure was not an option for him. Not when everything depended on it—his mission, his existence.

Aldric had a subtle uneasiness as he made his way more into the thick woods. The farther he went from the comforting familiarity of the town, the denser the air, the darker the canopy above became. Something didn't seem right, and he had learnt to trust his instincts. Every sound around him, even the rustle of leaves and the crack of a twig, was magnified, and his senses were sharpened. He was being watched by something.His mind raced, and his heart rate increased. He could not afford to be taken by surprise. His eyes scanned the shadows as he lowered his stride, each step deliberate and controlled. The familiar weight of his blade was reassuring, yet it was insufficient to ease the mounting strain as his grasp tightened around the hilt.Then, suddenly, it took place.Suddenly, two tiny, green humanoids jumped out of the bushes at him. They moved with such speed and ferocity that Aldric hardly had time to respond. As the other goblin surged for his side, he instinctively lifted his sword and deflected one of its crude knives. As he ducked the blow and turned to confront the danger, his body was already moving, the practice with Torvin finally paid off.They were faster than he had anticipated, but Aldric was faster than these goblins. The conflict was under his control, and he was the one in command. His sword swung down quickly, slicing through one of the goblins and sending it crashing to the ground in a heap of corpses. Before he could gather his breath, however, the others emerged.Three more goblins had joined the fight and were now circling himEvery move he had mastered and every skill he had ingrained in himself flashed through his thoughts. Despite their little size, the goblins were formidable foes because they were quick, agile, and unforgiving. He had to defend on all sides as they surrounded him. There was a sickening thud of a goblin's fist or a clash of swords with each swipe of his weapon. The ground beneath him was slick with the blood of fallen enemies, and the air was thick with the stench of sweat, dirt, and battle.Aldric gritted his teeth, adrenaline pumping through his veins. His breath was ragged, his limbs starting to feel heavy, but he knew there was no backing down. This was a fight for survival.With a grunt, he twisted, using his sword to cut down another goblin, its body collapsing onto the forest floor with a wet thud. But the others didn't stop. They kept coming, their savage, animalistic nature driving them forward.The battle raged on, each second a blur of flashing steel and grunts of exertion. Aldric was no stranger to danger, but this was different. This was his second life-threatening battle. His heart pounded in his chest, every instinct screaming at him to stay alive. There was no room for error. Not this time.The goblins were relentless, and Aldric could feel the weight of the fight dragging on. His muscles ached, his vision blurred from exhaustion, but he fought through it, drawing on every ounce of his training, every drop of willpower. He couldn't afford to lose.Then, with a final, decisive blow, Aldric swung his sword with all the strength he had left, slicing through the last goblin's defenses. The creature fell to the ground, its body still as the others before it.Aldric stood, panting heavily, sweat dripping from his brow. The battle was over. His body was covered in bruises, cuts, and the stink of blood, but he had survived. He had won. A loud laugh suddenly escaped his lips. It was a sound born of exhaustion and relief, but it felt good. He had done it. He had beaten them. "Hahaha," Aldric laughed, his voice echoing through the trees. "I didn't just survive… I won. And it wasn't by luck. It was because I'm better. "As he caught his breath, a sudden sound caused his heart to race again. The familiar, sharp chime of the system. Ding! The notification appeared in front of him, flickering in the air like a beacon of both reward and reminder.[You have gained 10 EXP for each goblin killed. +0.1 Agility.][You have gained 10 EXP for each goblin killed. +0.1 Agility.][You have gained 10 EXP for each goblin killed. +0.1 Agility.][You have gained 10 EXP for each goblin killed. +0.1 Agility.][You have gained 10 EXP for each goblin killed. +0.1 Agility.]Aldric stared at the notifications, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. The system had recognized his victory. With each kill, his experience grew. And the boost to his agility—it wasn't much, but it was something. It meant that the system was working, that he was getting stronger. Slowly, but surely. He called out, "STATUS". Name: Aldric Level: 1[EXP: 50/100]Status: Quasi-Warrior Attributes: Strength: 12Agility: 11.5Intelligence: 9Vitality: 10

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"Finally, even though its small , it is progress", as he said he glanced down at his wounds. They were painful, but not fatal. He would live. He took out health potion from inventory and drunk it. Even though the effect isn't instant but the healing was noticeable within a hour or 2 he will be perfectly fine.[But this is just the beginning,] he thought to himself. He could feel it deep inside, that pull, that drive to grow stronger, to face whatever otherworldly dangers lay ahead. And with the system at his side, he would continue to evolve, to fight, and to survive. He had already started his journey, but it was far from over. Aldric's became proud as he gazed about at the goblins that had fallen. With each of their bodies, he gained another victory and advanced in his quest. The once-dreadful jungle surrounding him now seemed more like a challenge. He would pass the test. He had received a prize from the system. He deserved it. And now was the moment to proceed. The task had not yet been completed. But hope was something Aldric had not experienced since coming into this planet, and he felt it for the first time in a long time. Before dismissing the notification, he gave it one more look. Then he started walking farther into the forest, determined to confront whatever was ahead. The future was uncertain, but Aldric knew one thing for sure—he would not back down. He would fight.