As dawn crept over the horizon, bathing the ancient forest of Astralis in a golden hue, Amar and Mira prepared to continue their journey. Their destination, decided after a night of careful deliberation, was the Solari Confederation—a realm of innovation and sunlight, where they hoped to find protection and possibly allies. The Confederation's reputation for welcoming those skilled in the arts of magic and combat made it an attractive refuge.
Their journey through the dense foliage was marked by an uneasy silence, a stark contrast to the vibrant discussions of the previous night. Amar, still coming to terms with his newfound abilities and the weight of the revelation about the world he now found himself in, followed Mira closely, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions.
It was mid-morning when they stumbled upon a clearing. Mira's hand shot out, signaling Amar to halt. Ahead, obscured by a veil of mist and the underbrush, a group of goblins rummaged through what appeared to be the remains of a caravan. The goblins, small and green-skinned, were notorious for their mischief and malevolence in Astralis, often attacking travelers and small settlements on the fringes of the civilized lands.
Mira turned to Amar, a determined glint in her eyes. "This is an opportunity," she whispered. "You need real combat experience, Amar. These goblins are the perfect chance for you to practice your skills, to learn how to harness your mana in battle."
Amar felt a surge of adrenaline at the prospect. His training so far had been theoretical, limited to what Mira could explain and demonstrate during their journey. The thought of actual combat was both terrifying and exhilarating.
"I'll guide you," Mira assured him, sensing his apprehension. "We'll approach this as a training exercise. Observe their movements, find their weaknesses, and when you're ready, strike. Remember, goblins are cunning but easily flustered. Use that to your advantage."
They watched from their hidden vantage point as the goblins continued their looting, oblivious to the danger that lurked just beyond their perception. Mira outlined a simple plan, Amar was to test his skills with one goblin while Mira used her magic to prevent the others from interfering. Amar nodded, his resolve hardening with each passing moment.
Before engaging, Mira, with a nod towards Amar, suggested he use his Basic Mana Sensing skill to gauge the goblin's strength. Focusing inward, Amar extended his senses, a skill he was still mastering, towards the creature. The mana around the goblin pulsed weakly, an indication of its low power level, but Amar could sense a wild, untamed energy coursing through it. This creature was not to be underestimated, despite its seemingly inferior mana signature.
The creature, gnarled and sneering, exuded a threat far beyond its stature, armed with a jagged blade that told tales of violence. Mira, seizing the moment as an essential lesson, retreated into observation, her eyes locked onto the scene, ready to intervene should necessity arise.
The goblin, with malevolent intent clear in its beady eyes, charged at Amar with a guttural cry, brandishing its crude dagger. Amar, his mind racing, recalled the principles of boxing and JuJitsu he had learned back on Earth. He knew he had to blend the disciplines, to use the precision and agility of boxing with the strategic grappling of JuJitsu.
As the goblin lunged, Amar tapped into his newfound agility, dodging the blade with a swift sidestep reminiscent of a boxer evading a punch. He countered with a quick jab, aiming not to injure severely but to assess the creature's reaction speed and agility. The goblin recoiled, surprised by the swift retaliation, but quickly regained its ferocity, attacking with renewed vigor.
Amar, recognizing the need to end the confrontation swiftly, closed the distance between them, utilizing the close-quarters combat techniques of JuJitsu. He caught the goblin's arm mid-swing, using its momentum against it in a classic judo maneuver, twisting and throwing the creature to the ground with a technique known as ‘seoi nage’.
The goblin, now on the ground, snarled and attempted to scramble back to its feet. Amar, however, maintained control, applying a ground-based technique to immobilize the creature. He applied an arm lock, carefully exerting pressure to avoid causing irreversible harm, mindful of Mira's earlier admonition about the sanctity of life, even in such dire circumstances.
The goblin, trapped and realizing the futility of further resistance, ceased its struggle, panting heavily. The goblin, weakened and now defenseless, looked up at Amar with a glare that mixed fear and defiance. Amar, with a whispered apology for the life he was about to take, delivered the final blow. Using a short sword provided by Mira. The goblin’s body went limp, its life extinguished, leaving a silence that hung heavily in the air.
After the goblin's final breath escaped its body, an unexpected sound pierced the silence of the forest—a clear, resonant "ding" that seemed to emanate from nowhere and everywhere at once. Amar glanced around, momentarily confused, before realizing the sound was for him alone. A notification hovered in his vision, visible only through the mystical Stat Window that had become his guide in this new world:
"Killed Goblin. 9 EXP Gained. Level Up."
With a mixture of curiosity and apprehension, Amar focused his thoughts on the Stat Window, prompting it to expand and reveal the details of his newfound progress. The window shimmered into view, displaying his updated status:
Name: Amar
Race: Human (Earth)
Class: No Class
Jobs: None
Level: 2
MP (Mana Points): 55/55 (+5)
HP (Health Points): 110/110 (+10)
SP (Stamina Points): 110/110 (+10)
Stats:
- Strength: 11 (+1)
- Agility: 13 (+1)
- Intelligence: 16 (+1)
- Wisdom: 15 (+1)
- Constitution: 12 (+1)
- Charisma: 13
Basic Skills:
- Basic Mana Sensing (Lv. 1): Detects the presence and intensity of mana in the surroundings.
- Hand-to-Hand Combat (Lv. 2): Basic self-defense and combat techniques without the use of weapons.
Special Skills:
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- Elemental Affinity: Water (Unlocked): A natural inclination towards water magic, enhancing abilities related to this element.
Unique Skills:
- Universal Translator: Automatically translates spoken and written languages in Astralis, facilitating communication with its diverse inhabitants.
- Stat Window: Allows real-time tracking of personal attributes, skill levels, and other vital statistics, visible only to Amar.
A sense of accomplishment washed over Amar as he reviewed the changes. Not only had his encounter with the goblin granted him valuable experience, but it had also physically and magically enhanced his capabilities. His strength, agility, and other attributes had increased, a tangible reflection of his growth in this world. The concept of "leveling up," so familiar in the games he had played back on Earth, now applied to his very existence in Astralis.
Amar couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the realization. Growth was quantifiable, tangible, and most importantly, achievable through his actions and choices.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, a rush of unexpected emotions surged through Amar. Rather than the anticipated regret or sorrow, a sense of exhilaration and accomplishment filled him. The primal dance of combat, the direct confrontation with life and death, had stirred something deep within him—a raw, unfiltered sense of being alive. For the first time in what felt like forever, Amar had not just existed; he had acted with purpose and decisiveness, altering the course of events through his own will and strength.
This newfound feeling was intoxicating, a stark contrast to the mundanity of his previous life, where days blended into one another, marked by the unceasing monotony of work and the heavy silence of his apartment. Here, in the unforgiving yet vivid tapestry of Astralis, each moment held weight, every decision carried significance. Amar had stepped into a realm where his actions could mean the difference between life and death, not just for him but for those he journeyed with.
As these thoughts swirled through his mind, Amar caught himself. He realized the gravity of what he had just experienced—and, more so, his reaction to it. The thrill of battle, the satisfaction of overcoming a lethal threat, was a part of this world's harsh realities, but it was also a dangerous allure, one that could easily consume someone unprepared for its deeper implications.
Not wanting Mira to see the raw emotion, the almost gleeful relief that painted his features in the wake of the battle, Amar quickly masked his expression, turning away to regain his composure. He knew Mira would understand, but he couldn't show this side to her just yet.
Regaining his composure and with a newfound confidence brought by his recent level up, Amar signaled to Mira, ready for the next challenge. With a subtle gesture, Mira released her hold on her magic, snapping the second goblin out of its daze. The creature, upon noticing its fallen comrade, let out a guttural cry of rage and charged towards Amar with reckless abandon.
Perhaps it was the slight boost in his stats from leveling up, or maybe the experience gained from his first real combat, but Amar found himself reacting with greater speed and precision. The lessons from his recent encounter were fresh in his mind, allowing him to anticipate and counter the goblin's aggressive but predictable moves.
The fight, if it could even be called that, was over much quicker than the first. Amar's movements were more assured, his strikes more forceful, and his use of the environment more strategic. He employed a combination of dodges and counterattacks, utilizing his enhanced agility and strength to overpower the goblin. Each move was executed with a certain finesse that belied his brief training, a testament to the potential that lay within him.
As the goblin fell, its final breath escaping in a pained wheeze, Amar stood over it, a mix of adrenaline and a deeper, more introspective realization coursing through him. The victory was clearer, less clouded by the desperation and fear that had marked his first encounter. He had faced the challenge head-on and emerged victorious through his own skill and determination.
This second victory solidified something within Amar. The exhilaration of combat, the tangible sense of growth and achievement, was addictive. It wasn't just about surviving anymore; it was about discovering his limits and pushing beyond them. Each encounter, each victory, brought him closer to understanding his place in this world and his capacity to shape his destiny within it.
The sound of another notification echoed in Amar's mind, distinct and unmistakable against the backdrop of the forest's ambient noise. Checking the floating window only he could see, Amar noted the additional 9 experience points added to his tally from the second goblin's defeat. There was no level up this time, but the incremental progress was just as satisfying, a numerical testament to his growing prowess.
Amar looked towards Mira, nodding for her to release the final goblin. The anticipation of another potential level up spurred him on, a clear goal set in his mind. Mira, recognizing the determination in Amar's eyes, gave a slight nod and with a wave of her hand, dispelled the magical restraint she had placed on the last goblin.
The final goblin, now free and witnessing the fate of its companions, hesitated for a moment. In that brief pause, Amar could see the fear and realization dawning in its eyes. However, driven by instinct or perhaps the desire for vengeance, the goblin let out a screech and lunged at Amar, its crude weapon raised in a desperate attempt to fight back.
Amar, now more attuned to the rhythm of combat, met the goblin's charge with a calm resolve. Drawing upon his recent experiences and the slight enhancements from his previous victories, he maneuvered around the goblin's attack with ease. This encounter, much like the one before, ended swiftly—Amar's actions a blend of the boxing and jujitsu techniques from his past life, adapted to the context of his current reality.
As the final goblin fell, Amar stood victorious, the adrenaline of the fight gradually subsiding. He waited for the familiar ding, signaling another gain in experience.
The notification rang clear in Amar's mind, a digital chime that marked a milestone in his journey: “Killed Goblin. 9 EXP Gained. Level Up”
"Level Up! You are now Level 3." The unexpected level increase after the battle's conclusion was a gratifying reward, one that reaffirmed his decision to face the goblins head-on. As he accessed his stat window, Amar observed the changes. His experience points had accumulated enough to push him over the threshold into a new level, bringing with it enhancements to his attributes and perhaps even the opportunity to learn new skills.
**Name:** Amar
**Race:** Human (Earth)
**Class:** No Class
**Jobs:** None
**Level:** 3
**MP (Mana Points):** 60/60 (+5 from previous level)
**HP (Health Points):** 120/120 (+10 from previous level)
**SP (Stamina Points):** 120/120 (+10 from previous level)
**Stats:**
- **Strength:** 12 (+1 from previous level)
- **Agility:** 14 (+1 from previous level)
- **Intelligence:** 17 (+1 from previous level)
- **Wisdom:** 16 (+1 from previous level)
- **Constitution:** 13 (+1 from previous level)
- **Charisma:** 14 (+1 from previous level)
**Basic Skills:**
- **Basic Mana Sensing (Lv. 1):** Detects the presence and intensity of mana in the surroundings. Potential for enhancement with increased experience and level.
- **Hand-to-Hand Combat (Lv. 2):** Improved self-defense and combat techniques without the use of weapons. Amar's experience with the goblins has honed his skills, making him more proficient in physical confrontations.
**Special Skills:**
- **Elemental Affinity: Water (Unlocked):** A natural inclination towards water magic, enhancing abilities related to this element. Amar's connection to water magic grows stronger, hinting at future developments in his magical capabilities.
**Unique Skills:**
- **Universal Translator:** Automatically translates spoken and written languages in Astralis, facilitating communication with its diverse inhabitants.
- **Stat Window:** Allows real-time tracking of personal attributes, skill levels, and other vital statistics, visible only to Amar.
The improvement in his physical attributes was immediately noticeable to Amar. The slight increase in strength, agility, and constitution not only reflected his physical growth but also his adaptation to the world of Astralis. It was a tangible sign of his evolution from the man who had stumbled through the portal from Earth, uncertain and unprepared, to someone who was beginning to find his footing in a land governed by magic and might.
Amar looked up from the stat window, meeting Mira's gaze. The elf had observed the entire encounter with a keen eye, noting Amar's growing competence in combat and his reaction to the level-up notification—a concept so foreign to her yet evidently of significance to Amar.
With the dust of battle settling, Amar and Mira turned their attention to the aftermath of the encounter with the goblins. The concept of gathering loot was familiar to Amar from his days of gaming back on Earth, though he had never expected to apply such concepts in a real-life scenario. The anticipation of discovering magical items or treasures was palpable, yet reality proved less generous.
Inspecting the fallen adversaries, Amar found no gold or mystical artifacts, a reminder of the harshness of this world and the unpredictability of its rewards. However, not all was lost. Among the remnants of the skirmish, he discovered a goblin short sword. It was a modest weapon, simple in design, yet its durability and sharpness were evident. For Amar, who had come into this world with nothing but the clothes on his back, this short sword represented his first tangible asset in Astralis—a tool for survival and a symbol of his burgeoning capabilities as a warrior.
Further exploration of the battlefield yielded an additional form of loot, albeit of a more macabre variety. Amar retrieved three sets of goblin ears from the corpses, an act that felt unsettling yet necessary. Mira explained that these ears were valuable in the alchemical market of Astralis. Goblins, despite their lowly status among the creatures of this world, played a crucial role in the concoction of certain potions. Their ears, in particular, were sought after by alchemists for their unique properties.
The realization that even the most seemingly insignificant creatures could possess value in this magical economy was a revelation to Amar. It underscored the complexity of Astralis's ecosystem and its economy, where everything had its place and purpose.
Armed with his new short sword and the goblin ears, Amar felt a mix of satisfaction and somberness. The thrill of victory and the practical benefits of their spoils were tempered by the reality of life and death in Astralis. Yet, this experience was invaluable, marking Amar's first true engagement with the world's dangers and its rewards. Now onto the next possible opponent!