Chapter 3: The Quiet Growth
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The early morning fog still clung to the trees as Ethan Cross stepped outside his small lodging near the guild. The quiet town of Lysford was waking slowly, birds chirping softly in the cool air. Everything felt peaceful—almost too peaceful.
But Ethan knew better. This calm was the stillness before a coming storm, or at least more challenges ahead.
His System glowed faintly at the corner of his vision.
[New Skill: Basic Healing – Ready to Use]
[Current Level: E (120/500 XP)]
He flexed his fingers. The new skill was simple but useful—he could heal minor cuts and bruises now, something that would help him survive tougher missions.
After a quick breakfast, Ethan headed to the Adventurer's Guild. Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with chatter. Adventurers of all ranks gathered, exchanging stories and preparing for quests.
Ethan felt a mixture of excitement and humility. Though he had fought bandits and completed his first escort, he was still an E-rank—at the very bottom.
At the counter, Mira greeted him with a friendly smile.
"Ready for another mission?" she asked.
Ethan nodded. "Yeah. I want to keep moving forward."
He scanned the quest board again.
[Available Quests:]
1. Scout the Ruins of Oldenvale (22 Gold)
2. Protect the Farmer's Market from Goblin Raids (28 Gold)
3. Deliver Letters to Dunwynn's Guild (15 Gold)
4. Train with Veteran Adventurers (No Gold, Skill XP only)
Ethan's eyes settled on the training option. It didn't offer Gold, but skill experience was valuable.
He looked at Mira. "Maybe I should train with veterans today."
Mira nodded approvingly. "Good idea. You'll learn a lot from them."
The training yard was filled with seasoned adventurers—D and C ranks mostly—practicing swordplay, archery, and magic. Ethan felt nervous but eager.
His first sparring partner was a burly man named Joren, a D-rank warrior with scars crisscrossing his arms.
"Don't hold back," Joren said with a grin. "Let's see what you've got."
The fight was rough. Joren's strikes were powerful, and Ethan had to dodge quickly to avoid getting hit.
But he used his new Basic Healing skill between rounds, mending small bruises and cuts.
[Skill Use: Basic Healing (Cooldown: 10 minutes)]
After a few minutes, Ethan felt more confident.
Joren nodded. "Not bad for a beginner. Keep your guard up and watch your footing."
Ethan smiled. "Thanks. I'll keep practicing."
Over the next several hours, Ethan trained with various adventurers, absorbing tips on combat, survival, and tactics. He realized that strength alone wouldn't make him a great adventurer—he needed patience, observation, and careful planning.
As evening approached, Mira found him resting under a tree.
"How was it?" she asked.
"Tiring, but worth it," Ethan replied. "I learned a lot today."
That night, Ethan checked his System again.
[Experience Gained: 150 XP]
[Current XP: 270/500]
[Skill Points Earned: 3]
He smiled and allocated his skill points.
[Skill Tree: Combat]
Swift Strike: Level 2 (Cost: 2 points)
Basic Healing: Level 1 (Cost: 1 point)
He upgraded Swift Strike for better speed and efficiency.
Days passed, and Ethan's routine settled into a comfortable rhythm—training, missions, quiet exploration.
One afternoon, while wandering near the town's outskirts, he discovered a small clearing bathed in sunlight. Wildflowers bloomed and a gentle stream trickled nearby.
He sat by the water's edge, taking a deep breath.
This was what he loved—the simple moments between battles and quests.
Suddenly, his System pinged.
[New Message:]
"You have been invited to join the Adventurer's Guild Council Meeting tomorrow evening. Attendance is mandatory for all active members."
Ethan's heart skipped. The Guild Council? That sounded serious.
The next day, Ethan prepared carefully, cleaning his armor and sword. The Guild Council room was large, with a long wooden table surrounded by elder adventurers.
The Guild Master, an imposing woman named Lady Arlen, presided.
"Ethan Cross," she began, looking at him thoughtfully. "You have shown promise despite your rank. We have a new challenge—an ancient ruin was discovered near the Eastern Mountains. It is said to contain powerful artifacts and dangerous traps."
She paused. "We need adventurers to investigate and secure the site. Would you be willing to volunteer?"
Ethan's pulse quickened.
"Yes, ma'am. I'm ready."
The council members nodded approvingly.
Lady Arlen smiled slightly. "Very well. Prepare yourselves. This mission will test your skills—and your courage."
As Ethan left the meeting, he felt a mix of nerves and excitement.
He was still an E-rank adventurer, but slowly, step by step, he was climbing toward something greater.
That night, as he lay in bed, Ethan's thoughts drifted.
The road ahead is long. But I have my System, my skills, and my will. I will rise, no matter how slow the journey.
His System glowed faintly once more.
[New Skill Unlocked: Defensive Stance]
[You can now reduce incoming damage by focusing your guard.]
Ethan smiled, ready to face whatever came next.
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