Viktor took another deep breath, refocused, and with a final glance at his updated status screen, he narrowed his eyes, willing the system to show his previous notifications.
...
[Commission "First Step" Objective has been completed!]
[Commission "First Step" Hidden Objective completed!]
...
He blinked, pausing as he processed the words on the screen.
Hidden Objective…
Yes, a hidden requirement. Viktor clearly remembered seeing it when the notification appeared after the wolf pup died. But since it was hidden, he hadn't known exactly how to complete it. He had lucked out.
Critically wounding the wolf pup, managing to escape the wrath of the parents, and now completing a hidden objective.
As if it wasn't just the pup attacking alone. Hell, even one of the larger wolves attacking… Viktor shuddered at the thought.
I guess my luck ran out, he thought, the relief of survival quickly replaced with a cold realization. The situation could have turned out far worse. Much worse.
He moved over and quickly opened the full details of the commission, eager to see exactly what had been accomplished.
...
[First Step] (Commission) -
Description :Your Strife has just begun. The first step is to understand yourself and your status, but is that truly enough? Not everything is as it seems, for the world around you holds many unknowns that may soon reveal themselves.
Objective :Discover the way to level up and reach level 1.
Rewards :10 Achievement Points, Unlock [Innate], [Random Skill (G ~ E)].
Hidden Objective :Be one of the first 100 participants to reach level 1 and unlock their Innate Ability.
Rewards :[Basic Critical (F ~ D)]
[Claim Rewards: ?]
...
The commission had seemed straightforward at first—reach level 1, unlock your innate ability. But somehow, by completing that first task just in time, he had inadvertently met the hidden requirement as well.
There was no way he could have planned for that.
He hadn't known that he was racing against 99 other participants, and yet, by some stroke of luck, he had found himself in the right place at the right time.
Viktor thought it made sense, given the absurdity of his situation. Less than five minutes since he was thrown into this place, and already he was fighting for his life.
Looking at the rewards, Viktor focused on the words, hoping for some kind of explanation.
[Achievement Points]:Currency earned through various achievements, such as completing commissions, defeating bosses, exploring, discovering treasures, and more. These points can be exchanged with the Achievement Vendor for rewards.
Reading through the system explanation, Viktor skipped over the achievement part. As no matter how much he focused on the Vendor section, no details came.
Honestly, the longer he stayed hidden in this ravine, the worse he felt about his chances.
And he didn't want to waste more time on figuring mysteries.
[Random Skill (G ~ E)]: Grants a random Acquired Skill (G to E rank), offering a variety of abilities, from combat to utility.
A random skill. Great. Viktor couldn't help but feel a bit of nervousness as he thought about it. It was a gamble—either good or bad. And given the way things had been going, he was certain his luck was running out.
However…
The last reward was completely different.
"Haaah… finally, finally something useful," Viktor breathed, but even as he exhaled in relief, a sense of caution lingered. His survival up until now had been nothing more than luck, and this new reward might be his hope.
[Basic Critical (F ~ D)]:A low-rank reward designed to provide the user with a vital tool or skill that addresses their immediate needs. This could be an item or skill that directly assists with overcoming current challenges, enhancing their ability to survive or progress in the immediate situation.
Basically, a tailored made reward to survive against the chase wolves, or maybe to fight against them.
Not wasting any more time, Viktor choose to immediately accept all the rewards.
...
[Claim Rewards: ?]
'Yes'
...
[You have received 10+ Achievement Points]
[You have received the Acquired Skill [Boost (F)]
[You have received the [Blood Fang Totem (E)] Accessory.]
...
[Your Status has been updated]
...
Viktor felt a surge of information flood his mind, each detail about his new skill, its effects, and its limitations sinking into his consciousness. The sensation was almost otherworldly, like a spark of magic igniting in his mind.
On the other hand.
A small necklace materialized in his hand, the leather cord warm against his skin. The pendant, a wolf's fang, was etched with red symbols that seemed to pulse faintly, as if alive.
The moment his fingers closed around it, the flood of knowledge intensified, overwhelming him for a brief moment.
...
[Blood Fang Totem] RANK (E) : A small necklace with a pendant made from the fang of a large wolf. The fang is engraved with red symbols, akin to blood, and the necklace is strung on a strong leather cord. The totem offers protection from wolves and other dangers of the wild.
Infused Skill (E) : Wolf Repulsion – When worn, the totem produces a unique scent that only wolves can detect. This scent repels wolves, causing them to feel extreme disgust and discomfort. Lasts for 30 minutes. (Cooldown: 24/h)
*Note: Effect is nullified if the wolf has line of sight to the wearer*
...
THUD!
Viktor slammed against the stone walls of the ravine, his breath ragged, and for a moment, he was on the verge of tears. Not from fear or pain, but from relief.
The skill he'd gained wasn't a perfect solution—it wasn't the best, nor the worst—but it didn't offer the immediate help he needed.
But the necklace… that was different. It wasn't just a reward; it was a lifeline. As the name suggested, it was critical, and for the first time since he'd been thrown into this nightmare, Viktor felt a his nerves calm.
With his heart pounding, Viktor immediately shoved the necklace around his neck. He focused, activating the skill.
Wolf Repulsion.
The red symbols akin to blood glowed faintly, and a strange smell began to waft from the pendant. It didn't repulse Viktor—rather, it was an earthy, sharp scent that felt almost like an ancient soil.
He could feel the power settle into his chest, a strange warmth spreading from the totem. The faint pulse of the red markings, like the blood of a beast, was both reassuring and unnerving at the same time.
No time to waste.
"Alright," he muttered under his breath. "I've got thirty minutes. I need to figure out where I'm going next."
His eyes darted across the ravine, taking in the jagged cliffs, the steep drops, and the shadows that stretched deeper into the forest.
The howls in the distance gnawed at him, the wolves getting closer. The pressure in the air thickened.
But standing here wasn't going to save him. If he stayed too long, he'd be sitting duck.
Viktor's gaze shifted toward the dense forest beyond the ravine. The shadows were thick, but there was cover—thick trees, underbrush, and a higher vantage point to maybe get a better look at what was around him.
His gut told him that was the way out. He'd have a better shot in the forest, and maybe, just maybe, he could find some weaker creatures to level up more.
The totem's faint glow still pulsed against his chest, reminding him of the precious minutes ticking away.
The Forest.
A small, relieved smile tugged at Viktor's lips, the first in what felt like forever. He took a deep breath and activated his newly acquired skill.
Boost
His legs surged forward as his speed and agility surged. The energy hummed through him, making his every movement feel lighter, faster.
The world around him blurred as he sprinted toward the unknown, the forest a looming promise of either salvation or danger.
The faint howl of wolves echoed in the distance, growing louder. But Viktor, for the first time since being thrown into this nightmare, felt his heart race not with dread—but with excitement.
And with that, Viktor pushed forward, into the depths of the wilderness, his heart pounding, his future uncertain.
...
Acquired Skill : [Boost] RANK (F) – Increase agility by 5 points and reflexes by 3% for 5 Mana per minute, enhancing movement and reaction speed.
...….
UPCOMING NEXT - CHAPTER 5 - Shadows Beneath the Leaves
...….
GLOSSARY -:-
[1] Skills – Abilities that enhance the user's attributes, performance, or potential. Skills are categorized into different types, such as Innate, Acquired, and Infused, but may also exist outside these classifications.
[2] Innate Skills – Abilities tied to the user's Innate Ability, unlocked at every ten-level milestone. They are categorized into nine ranks, with their rank determined upon unlocking. Unlike Acquired Skills, they cannot be upgraded easily.
[3] Acquired Skills – Skills that are earned through experience, training, or rewards from the system. These skills offer versatility and adaptability, allowing users to improve through effort or specific actions. They can be upgraded based on progress or certain requirements.
[4] Infused Skills – Abilities granted by external sources such as items, equipment, or artifacts. These skills are activated or enhanced by the item they are tied to, and their effectiveness is often dependent on the conditions of the item or environment.