The road ahead was empty. No new quests. No sudden notifications. Just the open world and an eerie silence that made my skin crawl.

"Huh," I muttered, staring at my surroundings. "Guess the system's taking a break."

For the first time since I arrived in this world, I felt... lost. No flashing objectives. No clear direction. It was unsettling.

Then it hit me. Wait. According to the original story, Ronan should be heading to the Ashten Academy for this year's entrance exam.

I checked the map.

Two days away.

And between me and the Academy?

A vast monster-infested forest.

"Of course," I sighed, adjusting my sword. "Why wouldn't it be that simple?"

If I wanted to get to the Academy in time, I had no choice. I had to cut my way through.

Day 1 – Entering the Forest

Towering trees loomed over me as I stepped into the forest. Sunlight barely pierced through the dense canopy, leaving only a dim, greenish glow. The air was thick with humidity, the scent of moss and damp earth filling my nostrils.

[Warning: Entering the Evershade Forest.]

[Difficulty: High.]

[Recommended Level: 20+]

I checked my stats.

Level 12.

Welp, this is gonna suck.

I tightened my grip on Lupine Fang and moved forward.

Encounter #1 – Shadow Wolves

Not even ten minutes in, I heard the rustle of leaves. My body tensed as three pairs of glowing yellow eyes appeared from the underbrush.

Shadow Wolves.

[Shadow Wolf - Level 14]

They were fast. Agile. Their black fur blended into the shadows around them.

One lunged first. I dodged, spinning to its side, slashing down—

Clang!

It parried. With its claws.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding me."

Another wolf rushed in, aiming for my back. Instinct took over.

I twisted mid-air and used Mana Shot—two blue bullets of energy struck its chest. The wolf skidded back, but the third one was already moving. Too fast.

No choice.

[Sword Skill Unlocked: Quickstep Slash]

I felt power surge through my legs. A new ability? Perfect.

The world slowed for a second. I sidestepped the incoming attack and delivered a precise counter-slash, cutting deep into the wolf's side. Blood sprayed as it yelped and collapsed.

Two left.

I charged, weaving between their attacks, blade flashing. Quickstep Slash let me stay one step ahead, moving too fast for them to react. With two decisive strikes, the remaining wolves fell.

[Shadow Wolves Defeated!]

[+2 Level Up!]

Level 14.

"Not bad for a warm-up."

Encounter #2 – The Poison Serpent

Midway through the first day, I reached a clearing with a shallow stream.

Perfect place to refill my water.

As I bent down—

[Danger Detected!]

The water rippled.

I jumped back as a massive green serpent shot out of the stream, fangs dripping with poison.

[Venomfang Serpent - Level 17]

Its eyes locked onto me. Then it lunged.

I barely dodged, rolling to the side. The ground sizzled where its venom dripped.

One hit, and I’m done.

I activated Quickstep Slash, closing the gap. My blade slashed across its scales—

Nothing.

Its skin was too tough.

The serpent whipped its tail, sending me flying into a tree. Pain exploded in my ribs.

"Alright, new plan!"

I focused, gathering mana. My body glowed faintly.

[Sword Skill Unlocked: Piercing Strike]

The serpent lunged again. This time, I didn't dodge.

I stepped forward, sword glowing bright blue, and stabbed forward—

The blade pierced straight through its skull.

The serpent twitched violently, then fell limp.

[Venomfang Serpent Defeated!]

[+3 Level Up!]

Level 17.

I exhaled, wiping sweat from my forehead. "This forest is insane."

Nightfall – The Reaper Appears

As night fell, I found an abandoned hunter’s cabin. It was small but sturdy.

Perfect for resting.

Or so I thought.

As I laid down, a chill ran down my spine.

A presence.

I rolled off the bed just as the wall behind me exploded.

A dark figure stepped through the dust. Cloaked in black. A massive scythe in its hands.

[Unknown Assassin - Level ???]

I couldn't see its level.

"Well, that's never a good sign."

It vanished—then appeared behind me, scythe slashing.

I barely parried. The force sent me skidding backward.

Too fast. Too strong. I couldn't win this fight.

I had to escape.

With Quickstep Slash, I dodged the next attack and ran.

The assassin didn't chase. It just stood there, watching as I disappeared into the forest.

Why didn’t it finish me off?

Day 2 – The Final Trial

Dawn broke, and I was close to the Academy. Just one problem.

A massive stone bridge stood between me and the exit. And blocking the path—

[Abyssal Bear - Level 20]

The biggest damn bear I’d ever seen.

I sighed. "Of course."

The bear charged.

I dashed forward. Piercing Strike!

My blade stabbed forward, but the bear smacked me away with one paw.

I crashed against the bridge, gasping.

I need more power.

Something inside me snapped.

[Sword Skill Unlocked: Raging Fang]

A new energy exploded inside me. My sword glowed crimson.

The bear charged again. This time, I met it head-on. Faster. Stronger.

I dodged left, blade flashing—

SLASH!

A deep gash opened across the bear's chest. It roared, staggering.

I didn’t let up.

One last Piercing Strike—

Straight through its heart.

The bear collapsed.

[Abyssal Bear Defeated!]

[+3 Level Up!]

Level 20.

I panted, gripping my sword. "I did it."

The Academy gates stood ahead.

With my newfound strength, I stepped forward.

The entrance exam awaited.