Chapter 3: The Path of the Unknown

The protagonist trudged forward, the faint glow in the distance serving as his only guide. The barren wasteland stretched endlessly, broken only by the occasional metallic ruins and patches of cracked earth. Every step was a reminder of his earlier battle; his body ached, his stamina was low, and the metallic tang of blood lingered on his lips.

He opened his status screen to assess his progress:

[Player Status]

Name: [Unassigned]

Level: 2

XP: 10/100

HP: 25/25

Stamina: 15/20

Equipped Weapon: Bronze Dagger

The new dagger felt slightly better than the rusted blade, but it wasn't enough. If creatures like the Devourer were common in this world, he needed to get stronger—and fast.

As he approached the glowing light, it became clearer. It was a small outpost, surrounded by towering metal gates etched with glowing blue symbols. Two humanoid figures stood at the entrance, and they feature a strange blend of human and machine.

> "Finally, civilization," he thought, quickening his pace.

The guards noticed him immediately. One stepped forward, holding a spear-like weapon that hummed with energy.

> "Halt! State your purpose."

"I'm just passing through," he said cautiously, raising his hands to show he wasn't a threat.

The guard's glowing eyes scanned him. A faint beep echoed, followed by a notification in his field of vision:

[Scanned: Player detected. Level insufficient for restricted zones.]

"Restricted?" he asked. "I just defeated a Devourer. Doesn't that count for something?"

The guard tilted its head, almost mockingly. "Defeating a Devourer is impressive, but this is no place for the weak. If you want access, you must prove your worth."

A secondary notification appeared:

[Quest Unlocked: Trial of Strength]

[Objective: Defeat three Zone Sentinels. Rewards: 100 XP, Access to Zone 2.]

Before he could respond, the guard gestured toward an arena-like structure inside the outpost. "The Sentinels await. Survive, and you may enter."

He hesitated. His body still hadn't fully recovered from the earlier fight. But turning back wasn't an option. If he wanted answers about this world, he needed to push forward.

> "Fine. Let's get this over with."

The arena was a circular pit surrounded by jagged walls. As he stepped inside, the gate slammed shut behind him. From the opposite side, a mechanical roar echoed, followed by the appearance of the first Sentinel.

[Zone Sentinel Lv.3]

The creature was a hybrid of machine and beast, with spindly limbs that moved unnaturally fast. Its body was covered in glowing plates, and its claws sparked with electricity.

The fight began with the Sentinel charging at him, its claws aiming for his chest.

Using Adaptive Combat Lv.2, he quickly analyzed its movements, dodging its attacks and finding an opening to strike.

His Bronze Dagger managed to pierce the Sentinel's joints, dealing significant damage, but its electrical discharge zapped him in return.

[HP: 15/25]

Gritting his teeth, he used his momentum to land a critical blow on its core, causing the Sentinel to collapse in a shower of sparks.

[Zone Sentinel Defeated. XP Gained: 30.]

Before he could catch his breath, the second Sentinel emerged. This one was larger and wielded a long energy whip.

The battle was gruelling. The whip's reach forced him to stay on the defensive, and every failed dodge left burns on his skin. But through persistence and careful observation, he learned to time his counters.

After a tense exchange, he managed to sever the whip using a well-placed strike, closing in for the kill.

[Zone Sentinel Defeated. XP Gained: 40.]

[Level Up! Player Status: Lv.2 → Lv.3]

The third Sentinel was a true test of his abilities. Unlike the previous ones, it was heavily armoured and wielded dual blades that moved with terrifying speed.

The fight pushed him to his limits. His stamina dwindled, and every swing of the Sentinel's blades chipped away at his health. But with his new level, he had unlocked a skill point, which he used mid-battle to upgrade Overdrive Mode.

The surge of power allowed him to match the Sentinel's speed, and after a series of perfectly timed dodges and counters, he struck its core, ending the battle.

[Zone Sentinel Defeated. XP Gained: 50.]

[Quest Completed: Trial of Strength. Rewards Granted.]

The arena gates opened, and the guards greeted him with nods of approval.

"You've proven yourself," one said, handing him a pouch.

[Loot Acquired:]

Skill Book: Enhanced Evasion Lv.1

Iron Armour (Basic)

200 Credits (Currency)

"You may now enter Zone 2," the guard said, gesturing toward a massive gate that began to open, revealing a lush forest glowing with bioluminescent trees and hidden dangers.

As he stepped into Zone 2, the voice returned, colder and more ominous than before:

> "Welcome to the Verdant Labyrinth. Only the strong survive."

The protagonist tightened his grip on his dagger, staring into the unknown ahead.

> "This game's only just begun."