In the quiet hours of dawn, Elian returned to his sanctuary—a modest, secluded house inherited from his late parents—feeling the weight of both his past and his rapidly evolving future. He sat at his workbench, the soft glow of his system interface illuminating the room. The screen now displayed his updated attributes:
Strength: 13
Agility: 12
Stamina: 8
Mana: 10
Charisma: 6
Perception: 3
Every number was a tangible reminder of his journey—a record of blood, sweat, and countless battles. His mind replayed the events of the past few days: the Beast Hunting Event registration, the market purchases, and his recent hunts that earned him both EXP and a substantial bounty of gold coins. His ledger read 10,930 gold coins—a treasure amassed from the spoils of fallen beasts.
Leaning back, Elian let his thoughts wander to the impending challenge. The Beast Hunting Event was scheduled to begin in just three days—a deadline that both ignited excitement and weighed heavily on him. Though he had been careful to hold back his true power, each hunt pushed him closer to the edge of his potential.
A new system notification flickered into view:
"Event Countdown: 3 Days Remaining."
He scrolled through his skill tab, revisiting the list of locked and unlocked abilities. Among the twenty potential magic skills, most remained out of reach—for now, the more formidable ones like Time, Space, Void, Creation, and Destruction demanded 30 Skill Points each. They were distant dreams, reserved for when he had truly mastered his art. For now, his focus was on refining what he had and testing his limits.
Elian's gaze settled on his recently upgraded Shadow Storage—a skill he'd unlocked and enhanced with an extra 2 Skill Points to boost its capacity. It was a small but crucial tool, allowing him to store and retrieve items with the flick of his thoughts—a silent, reliable partner in his quests.
Taking a deep breath, he stood and moved to a small clearing behind his home, a makeshift training ground where the natural world met the urban sprawl of Arcadia in the distance. There, in the early morning mist, he began a series of controlled drills. He practiced channeling his mana, weaving it through complex patterns, and manipulating the elements with precise restraint. Each movement was measured, each incantation deliberate. The goal was simple: push his limits without crossing the line into recklessness.
With every swing of his hand and every flicker of magical energy, Elian felt himself growing—not just in power, but in control. He was determined to be ready for the Beast Hunting Event, to not only earn more EXP and gold but to prove that he was capable of handling even the most perilous challenges that lay ahead.
Eve's calm, familiar voice echoed in his mind:
"Focus, Elian. Every point you earn and every skill you master brings you closer to unlocking your true potential. Remember: patience and precision will be your greatest allies."
As the morning light grew stronger, casting long shadows over the clearing, Elian's resolve hardened. He would face the event head-on, use his skills with measured might, and continue to hone his abilities—always aware that the eyes of the academy and the hidden watchers in the dark were tracking his every move.
The calm before the storm was brief but precious. In these moments of solitude, Elian prepared for a future where every battle, every victory, and every lesson learned would shape the destiny of a young mage whose power was destined to challenge even the gods.