Chapter 4:Awakening Potential

The sunlight streaming through the window stirred me awake, its warmth coaxing me from sleep. My body protested as I shifted, each ache a sharp reminder of the battle I had endured. These bruises weren't the remnants of some dream—they were proof of the reality I now faced. This world was real, and so was the enormous burden I had chosen to shoulder.

The rich aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the room, enticing me to move. Stretching my stiff limbs, I noticed a tray of food placed on a small wooden table near the door. Someone—likely a villager grateful for my intervention—had left it for me.

I sat and ate quickly, savoring the simple yet hearty meal. Each bite seemed to restore a fraction of my depleted strength, a welcome reprieve after yesterday's ordeal. When the plate was empty, I pushed it aside, rolled my shoulders, and stood. I had made it through one battle, but the road ahead was far more daunting. Today, I needed answers—how to master my abilities and become stronger.

Stepping outside, the crisp morning air hit me, sharp and invigorating. The village was alive with activity despite the lingering signs of destruction. People moved with purpose, their determination unbroken. It was clear they weren't just rebuilding their homes—they were rebuilding their hope.

"Good morning, Ethan," came a familiar voice. Turning, I saw the village elder approaching, his long robes fluttering in the light breeze.

"Morning," I replied, nodding. "And thanks for the meal. It was just what I needed."

The elder smiled warmly. "It's the least we can do for the man who saved us. Are you heading somewhere?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I need to figure out how these abilities work. If I'm going to survive—and help others—I need to be ready for what's coming."

The elder stroked his beard thoughtfully. "There's a clearing just beyond the village. It's quiet and spacious, a perfect place to train. It should suit your needs."

"Thank you," I said, already turning in the direction he pointed.

The clearing was just as he described: open, serene, and surrounded by towering trees that stood like silent sentinels. The ground beneath my feet was firm and level, ideal for the task at hand. Taking a deep breath, I let the cool, clean air steady me as I closed my eyes.

"All right," I muttered under my breath. "Let's see what I'm working with."

I focused on the memory of yesterday—the surge of energy that had coursed through me, the twin swords that had felt like extensions of my body. I pictured their weight, their balance, and the way they moved with me as though we were one.

Suddenly, a faint but distinct feminine voice resonated in my mind:

[Skill Activated: Kirito – Dual Blades.]

A flash of light materialized into the familiar black blades, their edges gleaming sharply under the sunlight. I swung them experimentally, marveling at how natural they felt in my hands. They were more than weapons; they were an extension of me, a symbol of the power I now held.

"You have yet to master this skill," the voice said, calm but firm.

Startled, I froze and glanced around the clearing. There was no one else here. The voice had come from within.

"You're… the one who guided me during the monster attack," I said cautiously.

"Yes," the voice replied evenly. "I am the system, designed to grant you the abilities of fictional heroes and guide you in this world."

I frowned, trying to process this. "So you're like an AI companion? I won't complain. I don't know anything about this world, so having you around is a relief. Do you have a name?"

"I am part of you. Naming me is your choice," the voice replied, its tone neutral yet strangely soothing.

I thought for a moment before replying, "How about Mira? Does that work?"

A pause, then, "Mira. That is a good name. Thank you."

"Okay, Mira," I said, gripping the swords tighter. "I only need to master this skill? I want to try Jin-Woo's shadows, Goku's strength, Gojo's Domain Expansion—everything!"

Mira's tone remained steady. "You cannot acquire additional skills until you master the one you currently possess. Growth through combat will unlock new options. But remember: this world is perilous. Recklessness will lead to failure."

I sighed but nodded. "Fine. I'll focus on mastering Kirito's dual blades first. It's not a bad start, considering."

"Indeed," Mira replied. "Dual blades offer exceptional offensive potential, but their true strength lies in precision and instinct. As you grow, your mastery will unlock techniques unique to you."

I glanced at the swords, their sleek black surfaces catching the sunlight faintly. This was the power of Kirito—the Black Swordsman, a legendary figure across virtual worlds.

Kirito wasn't just a master of battle—he was a beacon of hope, risking everything to protect the people he cared about. Holding these swords now, I couldn't help but wonder—could I embody even a fraction of that unyielding resolve?

Taking a deep breath, I swung the blades experimentally. Each movement felt smoother, more intuitive, as if the swords responded to my resolve.

"Protection and strength are not separate," I muttered to myself. "One feeds into the other. To defend, I have to be strong enough to win."

Mira's voice interrupted my thoughts. "You are beginning to understand. Kirito's power is driven by his will to safeguard what matters most. Your reason in this world is to save humanity, or your strength will falter."

"I'll protect them," I said firmly, as if testing the words. "And not just them. Every human who's been forgotten or abandoned in this world. I'll fight for them."

"Good," Mira replied. "Let that resolve guide you. But remember—strength alone is not enough. You must master your skills, adapt to your enemies, and remain vigilant. The journey ahead will test you in every way."

I took another deep breath, steeling myself. The swords felt lighter now, as if they resonated with my resolve. I wasn't just holding weapons—I was holding a promise.

Tomorrow, I would leave this village behind and take my first step toward becoming the hero this world desperately needed.

END OF CHAPTER.