Chapter - Awakening in the Darkness
"Mom! Dad! Where are you going? Take us with you!" Rantaro's voice cracked as he ran after them. His heart pounded, but no matter how fast he ran, they were always just out of reach. "Don't leave us, please!" he cried, but they vanished, disappearing into the abyss.
The world around him collapsed into darkness, swallowing him whole.
With a jolt, he awoke. Another nightmare. Rantaro's eyes fluttered open, his heart still racing from the echoes of his dream. The room was still and quiet, the shadows around him only a memory. But a soft, pulsing glow caught his eye—a tiny light, flickering in the emptiness, begging for protection. It was a beacon. A reminder. Something to fight for.
"Okay," he muttered to himself. "Maybe it's almost 8. Time to wake up."
As he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, he saw her—his sister, Xiyau, waiting for him with a wide, sweet smile.
The moment he opened his eyes, she rushed to him, holding out a small cake, her voice bright. "Happy Birthday!" she cheered, her joy contagious.
Rantaro felt a warmth spread in his chest. She's the light in my darkness, he thought, smiling back. Day by day, she's growing, becoming more important to me than I can even express.
"Oh! Thank you, Xiyau," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
They sat together, cutting the cake, the soft sweetness of it grounding him. His thoughts lingered. She's the only family I have now. She's the one who cares about me, who keeps me going.
Later that day, as the evening wore on, Xiyau spoke up. "Brother, why don't you check your rank tonight?"
Rantaro paused. "I'm planning to apply for a Hunter License," he said, trying to mask the uncertainty in his voice. "I need to enter the dungeons. There's money to be made there."
"But Brother—are you sure about this?" Xiyau's voice trembled with concern. "The dungeons are dangerous. If it's for money, we'll manage somehow... please, don't go."
Rantaro smiled, the familiar determination flickering in his chest. "Don't worry about me. It's almost time for your school. Go get ready. I'll head to the Hunter test."
Just as he stood to leave, a sudden blue screen flickered before him.
[SYSTEM: Please complete today's task: Kill a B-Rank monster.]
[Failure to complete this task will result in facing the instant death of an S-Rank beast.]
Rantaro's eyes widened. What the hell? He was an E-ranker. How could he possibly take down a B-rank monster? The thought made his stomach churn. But his inner resolve quickly kicked in. If I level up, my strength will grow...
"I'll give it a try," he muttered, feeling a surge of determination. I've got 63 stat points. Maybe this is the push I need.
---
Later, Rantaro stood before the Hunter testing booth. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt the weight of his decision settle on his shoulders. I'm just an E-ranker... This feels impossible.
"Rantaro, please come in for your Hunter test," a voice called.
He stepped forward. The light from the device would reveal his rank.
A glowing stick was handed to him. Rantaro gripped it, feeling the warmth radiate from it.
The light flickered, then brightened.
"Congratulations! You are a D-rank," the examiner said.
"What?!" Rantaro gasped. But the system said E-rank...
Then it hit him. Wait! Last night, I leveled up to 22. That's why my rank changed. He grinned to himself, feeling a mix of relief and disbelief.
---
Later, in the System Ruin, Rantaro encountered a pack of wolves. Without hesitation, he readied himself.
Let's check my strength now, he thought, watching as the wolves rushed toward him.
With swift, practiced movements, he sliced through three of them in one clean strike. The remaining wolves backed off, but Rantaro wasn't done.
One slash after another, the pack fell, their fear palpable.
Level up.
Level up.
Level up.
What's going on? Rantaro thought. How did I get this strong? He quickly realized: his stats had been increasing with every level up.
Now at level 29, Rantaro felt the change in himself. Okay. Time to find a B-rank boss.
After battling through countless monsters, he finally encountered the dark wolf—an A-rank monster. His breath hitched. It's almost as strong as me. Should I fight it?
Before he could decide, the wolf lunged. Its speed was terrifying.
Rantaro barely dodged the first strike, but the second hit him hard, knocking the wind out of him. Blood dripped from his mouth. If it hits me again... I'm dead.
An idea sparked. "System! Use my stat points—half in strength, half in speed!"
His stats shifted before his eyes:
Strength: 68
Speed: 64
Intelligence: 31
Skill: None
Class: None
Rank: D
Aura: None
Level: 29
Stat Points: 0
The monster's next strike came at him, faster than before. Rantaro blocked with all his might, but it was only a scratch. What?!
He took another hit, barely dodging, and thought quickly. Find its weak spot. Attack there.
But the monster was relentless. As it landed a powerful blow, Rantaro felt his body break. For Xiyau, my only family, I need to survive!
His sword began to hum, dark energy spiraling around it. With a roar, he slashed at the wolf, pouring every ounce of energy into the blow.
The force shattered the earth beneath them.
The wolf fell.
---
The system window appeared:
Level up.
Level up.
Level up.
Level up.
Level up.
Congratulations! You have mastered Dark Sword Style.
You have received a training space as a reward for surpassing level 30.
Mission complete. You have earned a C-rank aura sword and a healing potion.
Rantaro stumbled back, feeling the rush of relief. I'm not dead...
"Use the potion," the system urged.
He drank it, feeling his wounds heal in an instant. That was close.
He surveyed his surroundings, then asked, "Can I store the wolf in system storage?"
Yes.
Dark Sword Aura acquired.
Show current stats.
Strength: 73
Speed: 69
Intelligence: 36
Skill: None
Class: None
Rank: D
Aura: None
Level: 34
Dark Sword Style: 2% Mastered
Stat Points: 15
"What is this sword style?" Rantaro wondered, his thoughts spinning. I have to learn more about this.