The Path Of Power

The early morning air was crisp as Dain stepped outside his home. Eldrin's Hollow was already stirring—farmers tending to their livestock, merchants setting up their stalls. It was an ordinary day for them.

But for him, everything had changed.

The system had awakened.

[New Quest Unlocked: The Forgotten Path]

Objective: Uncover the secrets of the lost system.

Progress: 10%

And now, he needed to grow stronger.

The goblins had nearly killed him. His rusty pitchfork had been his only weapon, and even then, survival had been sheer luck. That wasn't something he could afford to rely on again.

If he was going to face what lay ahead, he needed two things: a real weapon and experience.

And there was only one place in Eldrin's Hollow to find both.

The blacksmith's forge stood near the town square, its stone walls darkened by years of smoke. Inside, the rhythmic clang of a hammer striking metal echoed through the air.

Torren, the village blacksmith, was a massive man, his arms thick with muscle. His soot-streaked face barely acknowledged Dain as he entered.

"What do you want?" Torren grunted, setting his hammer down.

Dain hesitated. He had never purchased a weapon before. Only the village guards and the occasional mercenary carried them.

"I need a sword," he said.

Torren arched a bushy eyebrow. "A sword?"

Dain nodded. "I fought off four goblins yesterday."

The blacksmith narrowed his eyes. "Aye, I heard about that. People say you should be dead."

Dain didn't answer.

Torren sighed, turning toward the weapon rack. "I don't keep much in stock, but I've got a simple bronze sword here." He lifted a short, well-crafted blade. "It's nothing special, but it'll do the job."

Dain grabbed the hilt, testing the weight. It was far lighter than his old pitchfork. The blade gleamed, freshly sharpened.

"How much?"

Torren studied him for a long moment. "Normally, this'd cost more than you can afford." He crossed his arms. "But if you're serious about protecting this village, take it. No charge."

Dain's eyes widened. "Are you sure?"

Torren grunted. "Just don't get yourself killed."

A notification flashed before his eyes.

[New Equipment Acquired: Bronze Sword]

• Attack Power: 15

• Durability: 100/100

Dain exhaled slowly, gripping the hilt tighter.

This was it.

The first step toward becoming stronger.

The western forest loomed beyond the village, its dense trees stretching into the distance. This was goblin territory—the same place they had ambushed him before.

Dain moved cautiously, the bronze sword strapped to his waist. His heart pounded, but there was something different about him now. His senses felt sharper. His movements more fluid.

The system was guiding him.

Minutes passed as he moved through the underbrush.

Then, a rustle.

Dain froze.

A goblin emerged from the bushes, its beady eyes locking onto him. Unlike the ragged scavengers he had faced before, this one carried a wooden club, its stance more aggressive.

A new notification appeared.

[Enemy Identified: Goblin (Lv.3)]

• Health: 20/20

• Threat Level: Low

The goblin sneered and charged.

Dain reacted.

He sidestepped, avoiding the clumsy swing of the goblin's club. His fingers tightened around his sword, and he struck—a clean slash across the goblin's chest.

The creature let out a shriek, stumbling backward.

Another notification flashed.

[Critical Hit! 15 Damage Dealt]

The goblin wheezed, its health nearly gone.

Dain didn't hesitate.

He stepped forward, driving his sword straight through its heart.

The goblin convulsed—then fell still.

A chime echoed in his mind.

[Enemy Defeated: Goblin]

+15 Experience Gained

Then—another message.

[Level Up!]

Level: 2 → 3

+3 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +1 Vitality

Dain exhaled sharply.

He felt it—the subtle change in his body. His grip was steadier, his breath more controlled.

The system was making him stronger.

Dain continued deeper into the forest. He encountered more goblins—some alone, others in pairs. Each battle sharpened his instincts, each victory brought him closer to mastery.

After slaying his fifth goblin, a new message appeared.

[New Skill Unlocked: Basic Swordsmanship (Lv.1)]

• Increases attack speed with swords by 5%.

• Slightly improves precision with slashes and thrusts.

Dain blinked.

A skill.

He swung his sword experimentally, testing it against the air.

It was smoother. Faster.

His body remembered something it had never learned.

A grin tugged at his lips.

This was real power.

But he had only just begun.

Dain pressed forward. The deeper he ventured, the quieter the forest became.

Then—he felt it.

A presence.

Something was watching him.

His instincts screamed at him to move.

A shadow burst from the trees.

Dain barely had time to react.

A creature lunged toward him—taller than a goblin, its body twisted and grotesque, its clawed hands reaching for him.

A ghoul.

Dain's blood ran cold.

[Enemy Identified: Ghoul (Lv.5)]

• Health: 35/35

• Threat Level: High

The ghoul hissed, its yellowed fangs bared.

Dain dodged just as its claws raked the air where he had stood.

He countered—slashing his sword across its arm.

The blade barely cut through.

Too strong.

The ghoul lunged again.

Dain rolled, barely avoiding the strike. He had to be faster.

The system's new skill kicked in.

[Basic Swordsmanship: Precision Increased]

He adjusted his grip—and struck.

This time, the blade found its mark—straight through the ghoul's throat.

The creature let out a strangled shriek, its body convulsing.

Dain twisted the blade, then ripped it free.

The ghoul collapsed.

Silence.

Then—

[Enemy Defeated: Ghoul]

+30 Experience Gained

[Level Up!]

Level: 3 → 4

+3 Strength, +2 Dexterity, +2 Vitality

Dain's chest rose and fell in heavy breaths.

He had done it.

But if ghouls were lurking in these woods…

That meant worse things were out there.

Dain exhaled.

This was just the beginning.

He was ready.