The early morning mist clung to the cobblestone streets of the guild's courtyard, curling around their boots as Alex and Liora prepared to depart. The air was crisp and biting, carrying a sense of expectation—and danger. Their belongings were packed efficiently, the weight of each item felt heavier than its mass, laden with the knowledge that this journey was no ordinary assignment.
The guild master's gaze lingered on them, unreadable, his hands folded behind his back. "I trust you both understand the gravity of what you're about to attempt."
Alex nodded. "Yes, sir. We've served the guild. Now we want a chance at the academy."
The master's eyes shifted toward Liora. "And you as well. Be aware—the military school does not tolerate hesitation. Weakness will be punished, and mistakes can cost lives."
"I understand," Liora said firmly, her hand brushing against the strap of her pack. Her voice carried confidence, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of concern.
The guild master studied them, noting the subtle closeness between the two. He said nothing of it aloud; there were things best left unspoken. "Very well. You leave under escort. The road will be dangerous. Follow your guides, remain vigilant, and obey their instructions without hesitation."
Two seasoned guild members stepped forward. One, a broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar across his cheek, nodded at Alex. "We'll ensure you reach the city gates safely. Stick close and don't take risks beyond your strength."
Alex adjusted the strap of his pack. "Understood."
The guild master nodded once. "Take this seriously. Your actions beyond these walls reflect on the guild. Fail, and you bear the consequences."
Alex's chest tightened. "We won't fail."
Liora's hand brushed his arm again, soft but grounding. "We'll survive," she murmured. "Together."
The escorts moved to flank them as they approached the waiting carriage. Its wooden wheels groaned against the uneven stones, and the horses pawed the ground, restless. Alex's gaze swept the street, the shadows stretching unnaturally, and a quiet tension prickled at his senses.
Status.
A faint, monotone interface flickered briefly in his vision:
[Host: Alex Rim]
[Level: 1 | Rank: F]
[Abyssal Energy: 30 / 30]
[System Sync: 17 / 1000]
[Quest: Survive and Grow | Time Limit: 72 hours]
[Penalty: Death if failed]
Alex's breath hitched. He blinked, and the interface vanished. Nothing—no help, no guidance. Just numbers staring at him like a mirror. This is me. Alone. Weak. Pathetic, he thought bitterly. His hands shook despite his effort to steady them. I can't even protect her. Not like this. Not yet.
"Alex… what was that?" Liora asked, tilting her head, curiosity and unease mingling.
"Nothing important," he said quickly. "Just… stay sharp." His smile was stiff, unconvincing. She frowned but didn't press further.
The carriage rolled past the city gates, the forest beyond dark and foreboding, mist curling around gnarled roots and branches. The escorts walked alongside, eyes scanning every shadow. The quiet of the road pressed on them, thick and almost oppressive. Every snapping twig, every rustle of leaves, set nerves on edge.
"Alex… I feel it again," Liora whispered, drawing close. Her voice trembled slightly, though her hands remained steady.
"What do you mean?" he asked, gripping his knife as sweat prickled his palms.
"It's watching us. Something is wrong."
He swallowed, chest tight. I can't run, can't fight. Not like this. And yet… I have to do something… anything. His mind raced. His hands moved without thought, almost by accident, and he threw a wild slash at a branch overhead—a branch that threatened the carriage—and somehow cut it cleanly.
I did that… I actually did that, he thought, breath hitching. I didn't have to think. I reacted… maybe I'm… getting stronger? The thought brought a brief spark of hope, quickly smothered by the weight of fear. But I'm still weak. Still not enough.
The first wolves emerged from the mist—three figures at first, then more. Their fur was darker than shadow, eyes glowing faint red. Their movements were controlled, unnatural. The escort shouted, "Rift-tainted wolves! Positions!"
Alex's pulse spiked. He raised his knife, but when the first wolf lunged, he stumbled, nearly tripping over his own feet. The blade barely grazed the creature, leaving him wide open.
"Alex!" Liora shouted.
She stepped forward instead, light flaring faintly around her as she moved. Her dagger struck true, empowered, precise. The wolf recoiled with a pained snarl.
"You—your blessing," Alex gasped. "It's stronger."
"I know," she said, breath steady. "I can feel it."
The escorts engaged the pack, steel clashing against claws and teeth. Another wolf charged Alex. He barely raised his knife in time, but the impact sent him sprawling onto the dirt. Pain jolted through his shoulder as he gasped for air.
I can't… I can't even… he thought, heart hammering. And yet, somewhere deep, he felt a flicker—a pulse of potential. When the alpha wolf circled, he instinctively moved, sidestepping at the last second—not perfect, not precise—but enough to avoid the strike.
That's… something. I did it. I moved… faster than I should. I can get better. I will. His chest burned with exertion, but a tiny spark of confidence lit the darkness inside him.
The largest wolf—the alpha—lunged toward Liora. She met it head-on, light erupting as her blade pierced deep. The creature howled, stumbling back before collapsing into the dirt.
The remaining wolves hesitated—then retreated, melting back into the mist.
Silence fell over the road.
Alex dropped to one knee, gasping, hands trembling. His body ached in every joint. But inside… inside there was that pulse, that moment where he'd done something he hadn't been able to before. Something that was his, his own, however small.
"That… that wasn't you," one escort said to Liora, staring in awe. "Your power—it's evolved."
Liora looked down at her hands, stunned. "I didn't know I could do that."
Alex said nothing. The system remained silent. Watching. Recording. It won't save me. I have to learn… and fast.
The carriage continued forward, wheels crunching against the dirt road. Mist clung to the trees, shadows shifting uneasily.
"I'll protect myself," Liora said quietly, glancing at Alex. "But I won't leave you behind."
He nodded, shame and resolve twisting together. "Then I'll survive. Somehow… I'll survive."
The road stretched ahead, unknown and merciless. The first test had ended—but Alex understood now.
The system would not save him.
And beyond the mist, the forest stirred, patient and hungry, waiting for the next mistake.