The morning sun burned away the mist as Suho and Lyra stepped out of the inn. The parchment from the guild quest crinkled in Suho's hand, the ink still fresh.
→ Active Quest: Hunt Wild Boars
→ Rank: F
→ Reward: 30 Bronze (≈ 3 Silver)
→ Objective: Eliminate 3 Wild Boars
Lyra glanced at him as they entered the forest. "Stay close. Boars are fast when they charge. I'll watch your back."
Suho tightened his grip on the sword. "And I'll watch yours."
The forest was alive with birdsong, shafts of sunlight piercing the canopy. Suho's system flickered faint arrows across the undergrowth.
→ Tracking: Boar Prints Detected
→ Distance: 150 meters east
→ Threat Level: Moderate | Speed: High
A massive boar burst from the brush, tusks gleaming, hooves pounding the earth. It was faster than Suho expected — a blur of muscle and fury.
→ Target: Wild Boar
→ Weak Point: Neck (Left Side)
→ Warning: Incoming Charge | Reaction Time: 2.1 seconds
The beast lunged. Suho sidestepped, pivoting sharply, and slashed across its neck. The boar collapsed with a squeal, skidding across the dirt.
Lyra nodded approvingly. "Good. But keep your blade higher when you pivot. If you drop it too low, you'll lose reach."
Suho adjusted his grip. "Like this?"
Lyra stepped behind him, guiding his arm. "Exactly. Swordsmanship isn't just strength — it's angles and timing. Let the beast's speed work against it."
Two more boars thundered from the brush, tusks lowered. Their speed shook the ground beneath Suho's boots.
Lyra intercepted one, her blade flashing. Suho crouched low, cutting across the tendon of the second's hind leg. The beast stumbled, its charge broken.
→ Combat Assist: Tendon Severed Mobility Reduced -60%
He twisted his wrist, thrusting deep into its chest. The boar thrashed, tusks scraping the ground, but Suho pressed his weight into the hilt until the squeals died.
Lyra shouted, "Don't rush the thrust! Let the beast's weight carry it into your blade."
Suho steadied himself, following her advice. The strike landed cleaner, faster.
The last boar staggered, snarling. Suho feinted left, then thrust straight into its chest. Silence fell over the forest.
→ Quest Complete: Hunt Wild Boars
→ Reward: 30 Bronze (≈ 3 Silver)
→ Combat Summary: Efficiency +12%, Accuracy +9%
Lyra gathered the tusks. "Proof for the guild. You're learning quickly."
Suho smiled faintly. "Because you're teaching me."
By dusk, they returned to the guild. The clerk inspected the tusks and handed over coins. Suho's pouch jingled with bronze.
Back at the inn, Suho laid the coins on the counter. The innkeeper's eyes narrowed. "You've stayed three nights without paying. This covers your debt."
Suho bowed his head. "Thank you."
Relief washed over him. One debt gone. Lyra sharpened her blade, the rasp of steel filling the silence.
Suho whispered, "We fought well together."
Lyra's eyes softened. "You're reckless, but you listen. That matters."
→ Swordsmanship Level Up: Novice → Adept
→ Skill Acquired: Precision Strike
→ Bonus: Attack Speed +10%, Accuracy +15%
Lyra's voice was steady. "Tomorrow, wolves. I'll teach you how to fight against a pack."
The next morning, Suho and Lyra set out again.
→ Active Quest: Hunt Wolves
→ Rank: E
→ Reward: 5 Silver
→ Objective: Eliminate 4 Wolves
The forest was quieter, the air colder. A howl echoed through the trees.
Four wolves emerged, circling, their eyes gleaming with hunger.
→ Target: Wolf Pack (4)
→ Threat Level: High | Coordination Detected
→ Warning: Multiple Attack Vectors
Lyra raised her blade. "Remember — wolves attack together. Don't focus on one too long. Watch the edges."
Suho nodded. "I'll watch your back."
The first wolf lunged, jaws snapping. Suho pivoted, blade flashing in a diagonal arc. Steel met fur, slicing across its flank. The beast yelped, collapsing.
Another darted behind him, faster than the boars had ever been.
→ Alert: Rear Attack Incoming Reaction Time: 1.8 seconds
Lyra shouted, "Turn your wrist! Parry, don't block!"
Suho spun, following her command, deflecting the bite with the flat of his blade before thrusting forward into its chest.
The wolf snarled, claws scraping his arm, but Suho pressed forward, driving steel into its heart.
Lyra fought beside him, blocking a wolf's bite and countering with a slash across its muzzle. Blood sprayed, the beast collapsing.
The last wolf circled, waiting for an opening. Suho steadied his breath. The arrow in his vision glowed brighter.
→ Precision Strike Activated
→ Critical Chance: +25% | Accuracy: +20%
He lunged, blade cutting in a perfect line across the wolf's throat. Silence returned to the forest.
→ Quest Complete: Hunt Wolves
→ Reward: 5 Silver
→ Combat Summary: Pack Neutralized | Efficiency +15%, Reflex +12%
They returned to the guild, pelts bundled. The clerk stamped their parchment and handed over silver coins.
Suho walked straight to the merchant. He placed the pouch on the counter. "My debt. Paid."
The merchant smirked, weighing the coins. "Good. Now you're a proper customer."
Suho exhaled, relief flooding him. Both debts cleared.
That night, Suho sat at the inn's table, sword resting beside him. Lyra leaned back, watching him.
"You're improving," she said. "But don't forget — swordsmanship is about patience. I'll keep teaching you."
Suho smiled. "And I'll keep watching your back."
The system pulsed softly.
→ Swordsmanship: Level 2 (Adept)
→ Companion Bond: Strengthened (Lyra)
→ Next Objective: Choose Higher‑Rank Quest
Lyra's voice was steady. "Tomorrow, something bigger."