Chapter 7: Back to the Game

Michael returned to his room after another hearty meal, his stomach pleasantly full. The food in this world was strange, but undeniably delicious. Every bite felt like an explosion of flavors unlike anything he had tasted before. He sat on the bed, stretching his limbs, already feeling stronger than when he first arrived.

He picked up the sleek, unknown material of the headgear and took a deep breath. The idea of diving back into that world excited him. This time, he would be more prepared.

Placing the headgear on his head, he whispered, "Connect."

The world around him faded, replaced by the familiar sensation of falling through light. It was less disorienting this time, and when he opened his eyes, he was back in front of the Chief's house.

Lucius still stood there, wearing his warm, ever-present smile. The sight of the man who looked exactly like his father stirred something deep within Michael. His heart ached at the memory, but he pushed it down. This Lucius may not be the father he lost, but he still felt an innate need to protect him.

Shaking his head, he decided to focus. He uttered, "Status."

A transparent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying his character information:

Name: NANA (Level 0)

Profession: None

Vocation: None

Strength: 11

Agility: 11

Endurance: 11

Magic: 17

Charm: 10

Luck: 20

Skills: None

EXP: 0/100

Available Stat Points: 0

Available Skill Points: 0

Michael's eyes narrowed. His stats had increased. That was unexpected. He hadn't done anything in the game yet—so why?

Then it hit him.

"Could it be...?" he muttered. "The training I did in reality... It's affecting my character here?"

A slow grin spread across his face. If his physical training in reality had an impact on his in-game stats, then that meant he had a way to grow even stronger outside the game.

The implications were enormous. This wasn't just a game—it was something far more. He had an advantage no one else did.

His mind swirled with possibilities, but he pushed them aside. First, he needed to complete his quest.

Opening his quest log, he reread the objective:

Quest: Basic Combat Training

Objective:

°Go to the training field and familiarize yourself with combat.

°Choose a weapon and return to the Chief.

Reward:

50 EXP

1 Beginner Weapon

Michael exhaled sharply. "Alright, let's do this."

With renewed determination, he turned toward the training field. The dirt path was well-trodden, with occasional wooden posts marking the way. The sound of swords clashing, arrows whistling through the air, and the grunts of training warriors filled his ears as he approached.

The training field was a large, open space enclosed by wooden fences. Various wooden dummies were scattered around, many bearing the marks of repeated strikes. To the side, racks of weapons stood waiting to be chosen—swords, spears, bows, axes, and even some stranger, more exotic weapons he didn't recognize.

A burly man with thick arms crossed over his chest stood near the entrance. His scarred face was partially hidden beneath a thick beard, but his piercing eyes immediately locked onto Michael.

"New recruit?" the man asked, voice gruff but not unkind.

Michael nodded. "I'm here to train."

The man smirked. "Good. Name's Gerald, trainer for this village's aspiring warriors. Pick a weapon and show me what you can do."

Michael walked toward the weapon rack, his hands hovering over the choices. His instincts screamed at him to grab a greatsword. It was what he had always used in his past life—a weapon that had become an extension of his very being.

But something stopped him.

He lifted a wooden greatsword and immediately felt the difference. It was too light. His body wasn't what it used to be. His muscles lacked the strength to wield it the way he once did. The realization stung, but he refused to let it discourage him.

Instead, he placed the greatsword back and picked up a longsword. It was lighter, easier to control. Perhaps it wasn't the weapon he was used to, but it was the weapon he needed right now.

Gerald watched him with a knowing look. "Smart choice. You look like a man who knows his limits. But let's see what you can do."

Michael nodded, stepping onto the training field. Wooden dummies lined up before him, some shaped like humanoid figures, others simple logs.

"Show me your form," Gerald instructed.

Michael took a deep breath. He positioned his feet, adjusting his grip on the sword. The stance felt foreign—his body wasn't used to this—but his mind remembered.

With a sharp exhale, he swung the sword.

The blade cut through the air, striking the dummy cleanly. The impact rattled his arms, a stark reminder of his current weakness. But he didn't stop. He adjusted his footing and swung again. And again.

Memories of battle flooded his mind—the weight of a real sword, the clash of steel, the cries of war. He gritted his teeth and pushed through the discomfort, forcing his body to remember what it had lost.

Gerald observed in silence, nodding approvingly. "You've handled a sword before. You've got the instincts, even if your body isn't keeping up yet. Keep at it, and you'll be dangerous."

Michael stepped back, breathing heavily. His body burned from exertion, but there was an undeniable thrill coursing through him.

DING!

A notification appeared before his eyes:

Quest Completed!

50 EXP Gained!

Beginner Weapon Acquired: Longsword

Michael smirked. Progress. It wasn't much, but it was a step forward.

Gerald clapped him on the shoulder. "Good work. Now go report back to the Chief."

Michael nodded, gripping his new sword tightly. This was just the beginning.

With steady steps, he made his way back to Lucius, ready for whatever came next.