In the blink of an eye, three years passed. My daily training had led me deep into the forest, where I honed my combat skills and tested my limits against the challenges that lay in wait.
As I sparred with an imaginary opponent, my movements were fluid and precise, a testament to the hours, to the years I had spent practicing. My wooden sword whistled through the air, each swing and parry driven by a mixture of instinct and techniques I had taught myself. The forest echoed with the sounds of wood flying through the air, the rustling of leaves, and the rhythm of my breath.
"Status," I muttered to myself.
==============================
Name: Alex, Son of Gerald
Age: 8 years old
== Overall Stats ==
Strength: 16 (+7)
Agility: 14 (+5)
Stamina: 18 (+11)
Mana: 3 (+1)
Charisma: 6 (+1)
== Traits ==
Determination (Level 4), Focus (Level 4), Survival (Level 3), Pain Tolerance (Level 2), [■■■■■]
== Skills ==
Sword Apprentice (Level 8), Thrust (Level 4), Slash (Level 4), Evasion (Level 2), Acrobatics (Level 2), Detection (Level 1), Carving (Level 1)
==============================
As I stared at my updated status, accomplishment surged through me. The numbers and words before me weren't just arbitrary data; they represented the embodiment of my growth, dedication, and the years I had invested in training. It was incredible to see these put in front of me.
Indeed, my power and endurance had skyrocketed, and the sensation of newfound strength coursed through my limbs. I could remember the days when even lifting the sword I had carved myself felt like a struggle, and now, here I stood, boasting a strength that I had once only dreamt of. The thought of wielding my sword with even greater prowess filled me with a rush of excitement and confidence.
These changes were a reflection of my evolution, each trait level and skill enhancement embodying qualities and capabilities I had diligently nurtured. The determination that surged through me, the focus that kept me sharp, the survival skills that adapted with experience, and the pain tolerance that enabled me to endure – these traits were symbols of my commitment to surmounting any challenge.
As I absorbed the changes in my status, I couldn't help but be proud of the path I had tread these past four years. I had begun my journey from a happy-go-lucky child and had begun to become a capable warrior. Each level gained, each skill acquired had propelled me closer to the person I aspired to be and the adventures I dreamed of going on. I realized that I was no longer the scared and uncertain child who had tripped in the forest. I had evolved.
With a blink of my eyes, my status melted away, unobscuring my view of the dusky forest surrounding me. I turned back into the clearing I was standing in and begun swinging the wooden practice sword I had carved myself. "1011, 1012, 1013," I counted to myself.
But amidst the controlled chaos of my training regime, a faint sound reached my ears. It was a groan, a pitiful sound that spoke of pain and desperation. I paused, my senses on high alert as I scanned the surroundings for the source of the noise.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
I followed the sound, moving cautiously through the undergrowth until I stumbled upon a scene that stopped me in my tracks. There, lying among the roots of a gnarled tree, was a man – battered, bloodied, barely conscious. His clothes were torn, his skin marred by scratches and bruises. He was unfamiliar; my isolated village never received visitors.
Without hesitation, I rushed to his side, kneeling beside him. His breathing was shallow, his eyes half-lidded with pain. My heart raced as I assessed his injuries – broken limbs, deep cuts, and telltale signs of exhaustion. The forest and whatever had attacked him were taking their toll on him, and he was teetering on the brink of death.
I knew what I had to do. With a surge of determination, I activated my survival skills, drawing upon the knowledge I had acquired over the past years, I fashioned makeshift splints for his broken limbs, cleaned and dressed his wounds as best as I could.
As I worked, the man's eyelids fluttered, and he screamed in pain. His eyes met mine, and there was a fleeting moment of thankfulness in his eyes. But then, his eyes slipped shut, and he succumbed to unconsciousness once more.
With the man's injuries stabilized, I now had to bring him to the village. Carefully, I hoisted him onto my shoulder, using the strength I had gained through my training. He was heavier than I expected, his body limp against mine as I carried him through the underbrush.
The journey back was arduous, the weight of the injured man taking its toll on my own body. My breath came in labored gasps, my muscles protesting with each step. But I pressed on, driven by a mix of determination and empathy.
"Experience Gained: Stamina (+1)"
As I emerged from the forest and into the outskirts of Anamesa, I was met with curious and concerned stares from the villagers. As I said: we never received outside visitors. Quickly, people rushed to me, pulling the injured man off my back. Word spread of the injured stranger, and a crowd gathered to watch as he was brought to the center of the village.
I lay the man down on a makeshift cot, my own body trembling with exhaustion and relief. Carrying this man after a full day of training had taken its toll on me. The village healer, a slender woman named Elara, stepped forward, her expression a mix of surprise and concern. She examined the man's injuries, her skilled hands moving with practiced precision.
"He's lucky you found him," Elara murmured, her voice laced with horror. "He's in bad shape, but I'll do what I can to help him recover. I'm not sure if he'll survive though."
I nodded, my gaze fixed on the injured man as Elara began her work. The villagers watched with a mixture of curiosity and worry, their whispers filling the air. But I barely registered their presence – my attention was wholly focused on the mysterious stranger before me.
Over the following days, I spent hours by the man's side, assisting Elara and tending to his needs. Each day, I carefully changed the man's bandages, mindful of his fragile state. The once-white cloths were stained with traces of his ordeal, evidence of his struggle. I took my time, ensuring each movement was steady and precise, as Elara had taught me. The wound needed protection against infection, and I wanted to do everything in my power to aide in his recovery.
At regular intervals, I also dampened a cloth with cool water and gently wiped his forehead and brow. The touch of the damp fabric seemed to offer a small comfort in his fevered slumber. I imagined the heat dissipating, the soothing sensation providing him some respite from his pain. It was a simple gesture, but one that connected me to his suffering in a way words couldn't convey.
As he slowly regained consciousness, our interactions were limited to brief moments of eye contact and the occasional murmur of gratitude. He was a man of few words, his eyes reflecting a mix of pain and appreciation. And yet, there was something in his gaze that suggested there was more to him than he was letting on.
As the man's strength began to return, he would watch me from his cot, his gaze thoughtful and intense. It was during one of these moments that he finally spoke. His voice rough. Hoarse.
"You saved my life," he said, his words carrying a weight that resonated with both gratitude and curiosity.
I met his gaze, my own expression solemn. "It was the least I could do. You were hurt, and I couldn't just leave you there."
He nodded, his feverish gaze unnervingly never leaving mine. "Thank you. Most wouldn't have saved me. Now, I need to ask: why were you in that dangerous forest?"
I hesitated, my mind racing. I'll give him an honest answer, I decided. "I'm learning to survive in this world. It's not easy, but I've adapted."
He offered a faint smile, his eyes holding a glimmer of understanding. "Survival requires strength, but it also requires more. It takes experience. Luck." His smile turned into a slight frown, "Luck which I never seemed to have throughout my journey."
His eyes rose up to meet mine once more. After some consideration and a small grin, he said words that tripled my heart rate. "How much do you know about this world, beyond your village?"