- Twin Moons, Obsidian Blade
The cool night air, redolent with the earthy scent of damp moss and pine, did little to calm May's racing heart. The forest, a symphony of rustling leaves, distant owl hoots, and the croaking chorus of unseen frogs, felt both beautiful and menacing. The tension hung heavy, a palpable weight pressing down on her as she lay on the soft grass, the unfamiliar constellations and twin moons a stark reminder of her strange new surroundings.
Suddenly, a shimmering sapphire rectangle materialized before her.
[SYSTEM]: Notification: 5 Alpha Hounds detected. Approaching.
A playful smirk tugged at the corners of May's lips. This was it. The second Alpha Hound sub-quest, the one she'd been meticulously preparing for. She'd anticipated this.
Using Canine Empathy, May saw the remaining four Alpha Hounds converging, their movements a deadly ballet of coordinated aggression. Their snarls echoed through the trees, a chilling counterpoint to the forest's natural sounds. The scent of their musky breath, sharp and acrid, filled the air.
The forest floor vibrated with the relentless pursuit of the Alpha Hounds. Their claws, obsidian daggers scraping against the earth, created a horrifying symphony of scratching and tearing sounds, a chilling counterpoint to the frantic beating of May's heart. The air crackled with anticipation, the scent of pine and damp earth overwhelmed by the musky, acrid odor of the approaching predators, now mingled with the coppery tang of blood.
The first Hound lunged, a monstrous shadow in the deepening twilight, its jaws snapping shut inches from May's face. She rolled away, narrowly avoiding its teeth, the Hound's frustrated snarl echoing through the trees. May, fueled by adrenaline and a potent cocktail of fear and exhilaration, fought back with a ferocity that surprised even herself. Each strike was precise, deadly, a testament to her enhanced strength and agility. She moved like a whirlwind, her body a blur of motion, her kicks and punches landing with bone-jarring impact. With each blow, a spray of the Hound's dark, viscous blood splattered across the forest floor, painting a gruesome picture of the battle.
With each fallen Hound, a surge of exhilaration washed over May. It was exhilarating, a rush of pure, unadulterated joy, a feeling of invincibility that mingled with the lingering fear gnawing at the edges of her triumph. This is way better than any video game boss fight I've ever experienced! she thought, a grin spreading across her face despite the growing exhaustion. And the loot is way better too! Yet, beneath the exhilaration, a knot of apprehension tightened in her stomach. This was far from over. She wondered about the Blessing's full potential. Could it do even more? Could it make her completely invulnerable?
As the last of the initial five Hounds fell, a chilling message echoed through the forest, delivered by the familiar sapphire blue rectangle:
[SYSTEM]: DANGER NOTIFICATION: A massive pack of Alpha Hounds is approaching. Prepare for overwhelming force.
The playful thrill was replaced by a cold wave of dread. This was different. This was a full-scale assault.
The new wave of Alpha Hounds surged from the shadows, a tide of snarling, slavering fury. Their numbers were overwhelming, their attacks relentless. May fought with the desperate courage of a cornered animal, her enhanced strength and agility allowing her to hold her own for a time. But their sheer numbers were beginning to take their toll. She felt the searing pain of multiple bites and scratches, the hot, wet rush of blood as their teeth tore into her flesh. Despite her enhanced abilities, she was tiring.
One particularly massive Hound lunged, its jaws snapping towards her face. With a desperate move, May twisted, sacrificing her arm to protect her head. The Hound's teeth sank into her forearm with a sickening crunch, its powerful jaws clamping down. The pain was excruciating, but she held on, her enhanced strength allowing her to withstand the Hound's brutal force. She was cornered, her back pressed against the rough bark of a giant tree, surrounded by a pack of slavering, rabid beasts. Their hot breath washed over her, their eyes burning with predatory hunger. The exhilaration was gone, replaced by a cold, hard fear. This was it. She was going to die.
Then, the thought struck her like a bolt of lightning: the Atmos Dagger. The Blessing. The rewards she hadn't yet claimed. Seriously? I'm going to die without even getting my overpowered cheat codes? she thought, a desperate, playful thought amidst the terror.
"SYSTEM! Maybe you can finally give me those rewards now!" The words burst from her lips, a desperate plea amidst the cacophony of growls and snarls. She was cornered, her back pressed against the rough bark of a giant tree, surrounded by a ravenous pack of Alpha Hounds. Their hot breath washed over her, their eyes burning with a savage hunger. The thought of dying, of being torn apart by these monstrous creatures, was a chilling reality she couldn't escape.
The sapphire blue rectangle materialized before her eyes, a beacon of hope in the encroaching darkness.
[[SYSTEM]: Awarded for Courage and Compassion. Rewards granted: A Blessing, and the Atmos Dagger. Do you wish to claim the Atmos Dagger? YES/NO.]
The sapphire blue rectangle materialized, and with a trembling hand, still locked in a desperate struggle against the Hound's crushing jaws, May tapped "YES." A surge of power flooded her, washing away the pain and fear with a wave of invigorating energy. The Atmos Dagger materialized in her hand—a blade of obsidian, honed to razor sharpness, its surface shimmering with an inner light that pulsed with a faint, ethereal green glow. Runes, ancient and intricate, seemed to writhe across its surface, their meaning both alien and strangely familiar. It felt cool to the touch, yet radiated a potent energy that thrummed in her hand, a palpable connection to something ancient and powerful.
With a guttural cry, born of both pain and newfound strength, May plunged the dagger into the Hound's skull. The creature convulsed violently, its grip loosening, before collapsing with a heavy thud. The sudden burst of power, amplified by her enhanced strength, allowed her to fight with renewed ferocity. Each strike was precise, deadly, fueled by adrenaline and a desperate will to survive. The Atmos Dagger, imbued with the Blessing, seemed to amplify her movements, making her faster, stronger, more resilient.
The remaining Hounds, momentarily stunned by the sudden shift in the battle's momentum, hesitated. May seized the opportunity, using her enhanced agility to weave through their attacks, her movements a deadly dance of precision and power. The obsidian blade flashed, a deadly blur of motion, each strike finding its mark with deadly accuracy. One by one, the Alpha Hounds fell, their snarls and growls fading into death rattles.
As the last Hound collapsed, a wave of exhaustion washed over May. The pain from her wounds returned with a vengeance, a searing reminder of the brutal battle she had just survived. She slumped against the tree, her body trembling, her breath coming in ragged gasps. But even in her exhaustion, a sense of triumph filled her. She had faced overwhelming odds and emerged victorious. She had survived.
As she sat there, the obsidian dagger still clutched in her hand, blood staining her clothes, the system's message echoed through the clearing:
[SYSTEM]: The effect of the Blessing, Atmos Dagger, is now coursing through your body.
A wave of warmth, unlike anything she had ever felt, washed over her. It was as if a thousand tiny suns were blooming beneath her skin, a vibrant green light emanating from within, chasing away the shadows and the pain. She felt her wounds begin to close, the raw, tearing pain fading into a dull ache. It was exhilarating, a feeling of profound rejuvenation, a complete and utter revitalization of her very being. A playful thought crossed her mind: This is way better than any healing potion I've ever seen in a video game!
Then, the system's notification:
[SYSTEM]: Notification: Alpha Hound poison/rabies neutralized. All toxins purged.
May gasped, feeling the last vestiges of the Hound's venom draining from her system. She tested her strength, throwing a punch that whistled through the air. The lightness in her body was incredible. The bites were almost gone, the rabies that had coursed through her veins now eradicated. The searing pain was fading, leaving behind a dull ache. She could feel the slightest tingling where the hounds' teeth had sunk into her flesh, a faint reminder of the brutal battle she had just survived. But the deep gashes, the scratches that scarred her arms and legs, remained. They were a testament to the ferocity of the attack, a physical reminder of the close call she had just endured.
The sapphire blue rectangle reappeared.
[SYSTEM]: Note: Remember, recovery is significantly faster while asleep. But your body's restorative abilities are now significantly enhanced even while awake.
[SYSTEM]: Notification: All immediate threats neutralized. However, significant Alpha Hound activity detected within a 5km radius. Proceed with caution. The Guardian Trials continue.
A playful smirk tugged at the corners of her lips. "Well," she muttered, "that was… intense. Guess I'll need a nap after this. But first… a celebratory fist pump!" She raised her fist, a triumphant gesture that echoed her newfound power. The forest, still alive with its sounds, now seemed less threatening, more… manageable. The Guardian Trials had begun, and she was ready. She was, after all, practically invincible now. Or at least, a lot more invincible than she had been a few minutes ago. And that was pretty damn awesome.
The forest floor vibrated with the thunderous approach of twenty-five Alpha Hounds. May's Status window flickered into existence, a stark white rectangle against the deepening twilight:
[SYSTEM] Notification : Incoming Alpha Hounds: 25. Prepare for engagement.
A manic grin stretched across May's face. This wasn't just a fight; it was a game. And she was about to cheat spectacularly.
Twenty-five Alpha Hounds, a snarling, slavering tide, surged from the shadows, their eyes burning with predatory hunger. The air crackled with anticipation, a symphony of growls and snarls punctuated by the snapping of twigs and the tearing of earth as the hounds launched their assault. The scent of pine and damp earth was overwhelmed by the musky, acrid stench of the hounds, a metallic tang of blood already staining the air.
May, a whirlwind of motion, met them head-on. Her laughter, a chilling counterpoint to the hounds' desperate cries, echoed through the trees. The Atmos Dagger, an obsidian blur, danced in her hand, each strike precise and brutal. She was like a 'demon' unleashed, her movements fluid and deadly, a macabre ballet of death.
'This is way better than any boss fight I've ever played!' she thought, a wild laugh escaping her lips as she spun, the dagger a silver streak in the gloom. Blood splattered her face, her clothes, her hair, but she didn't flinch. The poison, the rabies, it was all nothing – a dull ache in her arm a mere inconvenience. She felt the hot sting of a bite on her shoulder, but it closed almost instantly, the pain fading to a dull throb.
She was faster, stronger, more agile than she had ever been. The Blessing was a cheat code, and she was exploiting it to the fullest. She was a blur of motion, a phantom striking from the shadows, a whirlwind of death. She was unstoppable.
Hound after Hound fell, their bodies piling up like macabre trophies. May, covered head-to-toe in blood, danced through the carnage, a macabre waltz with death. Her eyes gleamed with a manic glee, her grin widening with each fallen foe. She felt no fear, only exhilaration. The forest floor was a slaughterhouse, the air thick with the scent of blood and pine, the cries of the dying a chilling symphony.
The last Hound, a massive brute, lunged, but May was already there, the Atmos Dagger piercing its skull with brutal efficiency. The creature collapsed, its final growl a pathetic whimper. Silence descended, broken only by May's ragged breathing. She stood amidst the carnage, a blood-soaked goddess of destruction, her laughter echoing in the stillness.
"They're better off dead. This is what happens when you let fear run wild." she muttered, a chilling, playful grin spreading across her face. The wind howled through the trees, carrying the scent of blood and victory. The twin moons hung high in the sky, their light reflecting off the obsidian blade in her hand.
Then... The Blue Light Appeared in front of her.
[SYSTEM] Notification: Second Alpha Hound sub-quest complete. Processing rewards… Enhanced Agility leveled up to Level 2. Choose three stat increases of +10 each: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, Luck.
May's mind raced, a whirlwind of possibilities swirling in her head. She needed strength, she needed speed. The images of bullies burned into May's memory.
She was tired of being weak, tired of being bullied, tired of being underestimated.
She had been weak, a shadow of a girl, always on the receiving end of taunts and blows. The system, this strange, unforeseen power, was her chance to change that.
Strength? Dexterity? Constitution? She needed the speed and power, but her constitution was pathetic. She knew that. It was the one thing that constantly held her back, the weak link in her physical chain.
Wisdom? Luck? Those felt more like secondary boosts, something she could work on later. Intelligence? Not really needed. She was quick-witted, but her instincts were what mattered most in this fight for survival.
She decided on a balanced approach. She needed the immediate edge.
Strength, Dexterity, and Wisdom. Yes!
May's Status Window flared into existence, a holographic display etched in the air before her:
---
[ "HP: 250/250" ]
[ "MP: 20/100" ]
[ "STR: 38" ]
[ "DEX: 28" ]
[ "CON: 7" ]
[ "INT: 10" ]
[ "WIS: 29" ]
[ "LUK: 15" ]
•SKILLS :
- RARE: Precognitive Sight (Lv. 1)
- RARE: Canine Empathy (Lv. 1)
- PERMANENT: Enhanced Strength (Lv. 2)
- PERMANENT: Enhanced Agility (Lv. 2)
• Weapon.
- (RARE) : Blessing. Atmus Dagger ( The Atmos Dagger bestows a unique Blessing: Unwavering Vitality. You are now immune to all diseases and poisons. Your body's restorative abilities are significantly enhanced during sleep. )
---
[SYSTEM]: Stat increases applied.
A surge of energy pulsed through her. It was like a jolt of electricity, a wave of power coursing through her veins. She felt her muscles tighten, her reflexes sharpen, and a newfound strength thrummed through her limbs. She could feel the power flowing through her, a tangible force that resonated with every beat of her heart.
The forest around her seemed to shift, the rustling of leaves, the creaking of branches, the scent of damp earth, it all felt different. She was more aware of her surroundings, more connected to the world around her. It was a strange sensation, a mixture of exhilarating power and a chilling sense of purpose.
But....
The Holographic System appeared again.
'Huuh..?'
[SYSTEM]: Quist completed. Final reward granted: A supporting character to aid you in dangerous situations. Choose wisely. NOTE : You have 30 seconds.
May's heart pounded in her chest, her pulse quickening with every tick of the system's countdown timer. Thirty seconds? That wasn't enough time to consider all the amazing supporting characters from all the novels she'd read! Her mind was a whirlwind of names and faces, a blur of epic fantasy and sci-fi. The timer ticked down relentlessly, and a bead of sweat trickled down her temple.
"F-Focus!" she whispered to herself, her fingers nervously twisting the hilt of the Atmos Dagger. "Think, May, think!"
A slight panic gripped her. Her mind was racing, and the timer was practically mocking her with its ticking. The characters she'd always loved and admired suddenly seemed so distant, so unavailable.
A single name burst into her consciousness, a character she'd loved from the novel, The Sunken City, a character who'd endured betrayal and hardship, a character who'd always had her back.
"K-Kaeeeel.....!!" she shouted, the name echoing through the silent forest.
The System window shimmered, then displayed a single image: a man was breathtaking. His features were sharp and defined, his jawline chiseled, his lips full and slightly parted. He had a ruggedly handsome face, a mixture of strength and sensitivity. His eyes, a startlingly brilliant blue, held a depth of wisdom that belied his youth. A single silver earring, intricately carved with a sun motif, hung from his left ear, catching the light with a subtle glimmer. His golden hair, thick and wavy, fell to his shoulders, kissed with streaks of sunlight from the forest canopy.
He wore a simple tunic and pants, but unlike the weathered and worn clothing of a wanderer, his attire exuded a quiet elegance and strength. The tunic, crafted from a rich, dark green fabric, was embroidered with silver thread, the patterns suggesting ancient runes or celestial bodies. It flowed gracefully around his frame, leaving a glimpse of his toned chest and the silver chainmail that protected his torso beneath. His pants, a deep brown leather, were fitted and functional, a testament to the man's active life. His boots, crafted from the same leather, were sturdy and worn, hinting at countless miles traversed. The man materialized beside her, landing silently on the forest floor. He stirred, his eyes fluttering open, revealing a startlingly intelligent gaze.
"Whe...Where am I?" he asked, his voice a deep baritone that sent shivers down her spine. "..-- And who are you?"
'W...What...the...??'
"EHHHHHH...?" May's voice was a choked gasp, a mix of astonishment and disbelief. She stared at the man, her eyes wide with shock. It was like something out of a fantasy novel, a character stepping out of the pages and into her reality.