Level Up

Tobi walked with a steady pace, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his longsword.

Each step crunched softly against the fallen leaves and branches below, a rhythmic sound that contrasted with the wild cries of the creatures in the distance.

It had been weeks since he first woke up in this world, confused and out of place. Now, he felt like a completely different person, his once-office-weary frame now tempered by training and battle.

Still, a piece of his old self lingered — a strategic mind constantly calculating, always assessing his next move.

Ahead, the path narrowed, winding between thick trunks and bushes.

He pushed on, his mind on the Ironhold GUILD. He had come far in his preparations, but he knew there was still more work to be done.

Then, a shimmering screen appeared before him, its faint glow standing out in the natural landscape.

[GUILD Building System]

The transparent interface hung in the air, its lines sharp and precise, almost mechanical against the organic backdrop of the forest.

He stopped in his tracks, his brows furrowing as he scanned the contents of the display.

It wasn't just about creating a GUILD. The system contained far more than he'd initially realized.

A status window materialized beside it, showing his details in neatly organized columns:

[Status Screen]

[Name: Tobi]

[Level: 10]

[Health Points (HP): 750]

[Stamina Points (SP): 400]

[Skills]

[Sword Mastery (Level 2)]

He exhaled softly, eyes narrowing on the screen. Level 10.

He had been grinding for weeks now, fighting tirelessly, pushing himself to the edge. And it showed.

Sword Mastery, his one and only skill, had reached Level 2. It had grown through sheer repetition and persistence — every swing of his blade, every clash with a monster, had forged his strength.

And with it came a sense of control he had never known.

"I've come a long way," he murmured, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. But there was still more to do.

He glanced at the GUILD Building System interface again. It seemed to be linked not only to the creation and management of his GUILD but also to his personal growth.

He could earn experience, unlock new skills, and strengthen himself further through its use.

The potential was immense.

Before he could explore it further, the forest's ambient noise shifted. The faint rustling of leaves became louder, more deliberate. Tobi froze, his grip tightening on his sword.

Something was coming.

His gaze darted to the edges of the path, scanning the underbrush. Movement caught his eye — a flicker of dark fur, low to the ground. Then another.

Wolves.

They moved with predatory precision, their bodies low and silent, blending seamlessly with the shadows of the forest.

Their eyes glinted with hunger, and their snarls were barely audible, as if they were trying to stifle their presence.

Tobi's lips curled into a thin line. "You're not as stealthy as you think," he muttered.

One of the wolves lunged first, its muscles coiling like a spring before it shot toward him. Tobi sidestepped smoothly, drawing his longsword in one fluid motion.

The blade arced through the air, catching the wolf mid-leap and sending it crumpling to the ground.

Another wolf pounced from the side, but Tobi was already moving. He pivoted on his heel, bringing the sword around in a wide swing. The blade met flesh, and the wolf let out a sharp yelp before collapsing.

The remaining wolves hesitated, circling him warily. Tobi's sharp eyes followed their every movement.

"Come on," he said, his voice calm but edged with challenge. "Let's get this over with."

The pack didn't disappoint. Three more wolves rushed him in unison, their snarls filling the air. Tobi's body moved almost on instinct. His longsword whirled in a deadly arc, each strike precise and efficient.

The first wolf fell instantly, its momentum working against it as it collided with the blade.

The second managed to graze his arm with its claws, but Tobi didn't flinch. He countered with a swift upward slash, dispatching it in one clean strike.

The third wolf snapped at his legs, forcing him to leap backward. It lunged again, and Tobi met it head-on, driving his sword straight through its chest.

Breathing heavily, he wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. The bodies of the wolves lay scattered around him, their blood seeping into the soil.

The screen in front of him flickered, displaying a notification:

[Experience Gained: 250]

[Level Up: Level 11 Achieved!]

A small smile played on Tobi's lips as he sheathed his sword. The feeling of growth was intoxicating, the steady progression of his strength like a drug he couldn't resist.

But he knew better than to let it go to his head. He couldn't afford to grow complacent. Not in this world.

As the forest grew quieter, Tobi glanced back at the status screen. His HP and SP had both taken a hit, though they were far from critical.

He'd have to rest soon, maybe even dip into the small stash of potions he'd been carrying.

But for now, It wasn't just about him anymore. If he was going to establish the Ironhold GUILD, he needed to gather members, resources, and credibility.

Every step he took in his own growth would reflect in the strength of the GUILD.

His mind wandered briefly to Ryn, the thief he had encountered earlier. Someone like that, with determination and skill, could be an asset.

There were countless others in this world — misfits, outcasts, people with untapped potential.

He had a vision for Ironhold, and he wouldn't stop until it became a reality.