The Map

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You earned 100 coins!

You found map fragment x 1

You found heartstone fragment x 1

Kael's brow furrowed. Heartstone? he mused, selecting the item from his inventory. Unlike before, this time, the system allowed him access to more information.

"Heartstone Fragment," the entity intoned, its deep voice resonating with calm authority. "You've found something valuable."

"What does it do?" I asked, my tone sharper than intended. The cryptic descriptions from the entity often felt like riddles, and I didn't have the patience for more mysteries.

"It's a key to potential," the entity explained, its tone measured. "When you collect enough fragments, they form a Heartstone. It's an artifact of significant power, but its true purpose is something you'll uncover in time. For now, focus on the task at hand."

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Heartstone Fragment

Description: A hearthstone fragment is a piece of fragment that makes up a Hearthstone. You need 5 Heartstone fragments to create a Heartstone.

Kael sighed, the description doing little to satisfy his curiosity. He navigated through the menus, searching for any additional details, but once again, the dreaded error message appeared.

"This error again," Kael muttered, exasperation lacing his voice. "Am I really too weak to even understand the basics now?"

The entity beside him chuckled, its tone equal parts amused and mocking. "Indeed. Pathetic, isn't it? You're stumbling through a world you don't understand, without even a proper system guide. And let's not forget—you haven't even finished the tutorial."

Kael sighed, waving away the notification. "This system seems to enjoy keeping me in the dark. How am I supposed to navigate this world if I can't even access basic information?"

The entity's voice softened, laced with a wisdom that managed to both soothe and unsettle. "Not all knowledge is free, Kael. The system rewards persistence and discovery. Focus on what lies ahead."

With a resigned sigh, Kael turned his attention to the next tutorial quest: Reach Level 5. The rewards were tantalizing—coins, basic gear, another fragment—but the task ahead promised challenges. A single line of text blinked on the screen, a reminder of the hurdles yet to come.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

[Tutorial Quest: Reach Level 5]

Rewards:

200 Coins,

Basic Weapon x 1,

Map Fragment x 1,

Basic Armor x 1,

Hearthstone Fragment x 1

Kael's lips curved into a faint smile. "Now, this is promising. If the rewards for the tutorial are this generous, I wonder what the main quests have in store."

But the path ahead was clear—if he wanted to level up, he needed to hunt. Darkspawns were his best bet, and though he lacked a detailed map of Erendath, he resolved to make do.

"You know," the entity began, its tone casual, "there's a simpler way. Head to the nearest village and buy yourself a map."

Kael blinked. "The nearest village? You mean Evergrove?"

"There are others besides Evergrove, you know. But yes, start there. You've got coins, don't you? Use them."

Kael slapped his forehead, cursing his oversight. Of course! A map would save time and effort. Without hesitation, he headed back to Evergrove. After a few inquiries, he was directed to a small convenience store nestled near the elder's house.

Inside, rows of shelves brimmed with goods—potions, food, and even basic gear. A merchant manned the counter, his face lighting up as Kael approached.

"Greetings, traveler! What can I do for you?" the merchant said warmly.

Before Kael could respond, a screen materialized in his view, startling him. The merchant, oblivious, continued smiling.

[Evergrove Convenience Store]

Hello, Traveller. What can I do for you?

Option:

I would like to buy items.

I would like to sell items.

Available Coins: 320

Kael's gaze darted between the screen and the merchant before selecting the "buy items" option. A categorized inventory appeared, and he quickly searched for maps.

One caught his eye—the map of North Erendath. That seems to be the closest he could get to Erendat's map. However, the price made him grimace: 2,000 coins.

Too expensive, Kael thought, shaking his head. Instead, he filtered for affordable options and found a smaller, more localized map.

"I need something to guide me to the nearest city," Kael explained.

The merchant nodded, producing a neatly folded map.

[Evergrove Convenience Store]

You chose to buy the map of Krythgard.

Cost: 50 coins

Would you like to buy?

Kael confirmed, and 50 coins vanished from his inventory. The merchant collected the payment without batting an eye, the transaction seamless.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

You now have the map of Krythgard.

Krythgard is now added to your map and navigation.

The map unfolded before him, markers and points of interest filling the screen. Krythgard, known as the "Iron Heart of Erendath's North," was a sprawling city famed for its smiths and soldiers. 

Smaller villages, including Evergrove, dotted the outskirts. Some locations glowed with side-quest markers, but when Kael tried to access them, the system denied him once again.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

Access Restricted: Complete Tutorial Quest to unlock Side Quests

Kael groaned. "This tutorial is holding me back more than I expected."

The entity floated beside him, chuckling. "Quit whining. Now that you've got a map, start heading toward Krythgard. Stick to the roads, fight whatever comes your way, and you'll level up in no time."

Kael sighed but nodded. "You're right. Monsters and Darkspawns it is."

As he stepped out of the store, the road ahead stretched wide and uncertain. With every step, Kael felt the weight of his mission—but also the thrill of the unknown. This was his world now, and he intended to conquer it.

The evening air bit at his skin as Kael stepped outside. The glow of Evergrove receded behind him as he made his way to the main road. Trees lined the path, their shadows stretching long under the pale light of the moons. The distant calls of unseen creatures mingled with the rustling wind, a reminder of the untamed wilderness beyond.

He paused, scanning the horizon. His sword felt heavier in his hand, though it was the weight of expectation rather than steel. Before him stretched the promise of trial and growth, the crucible that would shape his journey.

A low growl broke the stillness. From the shadows ahead, a pair of glowing eyes emerged, followed by the hulking form of a Darkspawn. Its maw dripped with malice, its claws gleaming like blackened steel. And the worst part? It wasn't just one.

[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]

[Darkspawns Detected]

Darkspawn Level 4

[Darkspawns Detected]

Darkspawn Level 3

[Darkspawns Detected]

Darkspawn Level 3

Entering battle mode.

Kael tightened his grip on his sword, his heart pounding in his chest. The entity's voice whispered in his mind, dripping with undisguised glee.

"Oh look! You're lucky. Here comes your precious EXP."