Meeting with old friends

Ryu nodded in satisfaction. Level 5 achieved! His stats had increased tremendously since he first entered Aethelgard, especially thanks to the bonuses from his new equipment.He could feel a much greater strength and agility in every movement. The newly unlocked Dark Crevice skill felt like a promise of new efficiency and power.

Her final skill point has been wisely allocated to increasing Strength, providing a good balance between her Thief's agility and offensive power.His inventory may be a little thin on coins, but he has potions and recipes.

The Scroll of Ancient Instructions and Elara's guidance weigh heavily in his pocket. Silverwood. The Ethereal Explorer Network.It was the next step into Aethelgard's deeper secrets.

Boredom was a distant memory.Now, all that remains is a burning curiosity and an ambition to find the truth behind every corner of this world.

Without looking back, Ryu stepped through the eastern gate of Eldoria, toward the path that stretched north. On the horizon, far beyond the green hills, he imagined the faint silhouette of the great city of Silverwood.

Ryu walked along the winding path through the green hills, leaving Eldoria behind him. The air felt fresher outside the village, and the expansive view stretched out before him.

The Ancient Scroll of Instructions felt weighty in his pocket, the vague hints about the World Tree Yggdrasil and the Ethereal Explorer Network in Silverwood piqued his curiosity.He activates his 'Reconnaissance' ability periodically, scanning the surrounding area, not only for monsters but also for other players—especially after his experience with Brutus.

After about an hour of walking, as he crossed a narrow valley flanked by high rocks, a loud scream broke the silence. It was not the sound of a monster, but a human scream.

Ryu immediately stopped in his tracks. His instincts told him that this was a dangerous sound. He activated 'Reconnaissance' again, scanning for the source of the sound. Not far ahead, behind a bend in the path,he saw it.

There, a female Elf player was cornered on a cliff wall.Her silver hair was in disarray, and her clothes were torn in several places. In front of her stood two other players Ryu recognized from the PvP rankings: Brutus with his great axe, and Crimson Witch in her red robe. They locked up the Elf player, Brutus' sinister laughter filled the air.

"It's easy, sweetie," Brutus snarled, his axe swinging slowly, menacingly. "Just hand over your items, and we'll let you go... maybe."

"I have nothing!" the Elf shouted, his voice trembling. "I'm just an explorer!"

[WARNING! Players 'Brutus' and 'Crimson Witch' declare PK!]

[Target: Player 'Lira' (Level 3)]

Ryu clenched his fists. Brutus and Crimson Witch again. This was a great opportunity to observe their PK tactics firsthand, and perhaps test his new skills in a more dynamic situation.PvP combat is a much more interesting challenge than just AI monsters. Plus, there's a lot of curiosity about how player interactions can affect the world of Aethelgard.

He knew he could just pretend not to see. That would be the safest option. But Ryu, who got bored easily, saw this scenario as a thrilling opportunity,a new intrigue that interests him more than just the route to Silverwood. He wants to know what will happen if he interferes, and how he, with his wits, can outsmart the enemy.

He took a deep breath, activated his 'Silent Steps' and 'Reconnaissance', and began to sneak. He moved carefully behind rocks and bushes,approaching the battle site undetected. He observed Brutus and Crimson Witch's positions, looking for an opening, looking for a way to disrupt them.

This wasn't a frontal fight, this was a clever rescue—a perfect challenge to ward off boredom and satisfy his curiosity.