After the horde of Forest Rabbits vanished into pixels of light, leaving loot bags on the ground,Ryu immediately jumped down from the tree branch. The adrenaline was still pumping, mixed with satisfaction.
He crouched down, quickly collecting the gold coins and the items left behind—Rabbit Teeth and Raw Rabbit Skin.
It all feels so real, even the details of the texture of his skin and the weight of the coins in his hand.
"Not bad," Ryu muttered with a slight grin. His boredom was completely gone, replaced by the spirit of an explorer.
Suddenly, he remembered the XP notification that had appeared earlier. This was a game, right? Then there should be a status system, like in most RPGs.
status system, like in most RPGs. With curiosity, Ryu tried to call up the status menu.
He recalled seeing players in promotional videos moving their hands with certain gestures or saying voice commands.
"Status?" he muttered, trying.
Instantly, a larger virtual transparent panel appeared before him, floating in the air.
The panel looks like a sheet of crystal that emits a soft light, with information neatly arranged in the form of text and progress bars.
[Character Name: Ryu]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Thief]
[Level: 1 (XP: 80/100)]
[HP: 100/100]
[Stamina: 95/100]
[Basic Statistics]
Strength: 5
Dexterity: 8 (Class Bonus: +2)
Intelligence: 7
Vitality: 6
[Skills]
Short Sword: Novice
Evasion: Novice
Sneak: Novice
Observation: Novice
[Class Ability (Thief)]
Dark Crevice: (Active) Performs a quick and stealthy attack. (Locked: Requires Level 5)
Silent Steps: (Passive) Reduces the sound of footsteps when moving slowly.
[Inventory]
Gold Coins: 18
Rabbit Teeth: 8
Rabbit Skin: 3
Light Leaf: 1
Beginner's Clothes (Equipped)
Beginner's Short Sword (Equipped)
[Quest Log: (0)] [Location: Whisperingwood - Beginner's Area]
Ryu read each line carefully. "Level 1... XP 80/100," he muttered, realizing that he was close to leveling up.His high "Dexterity" stat, coupled with his class bonus as a Thief, explained why his movements had felt so nimble.
The "Silent Steps" ability also sounds useful. It even has a slot for "Quest Log," which is currently empty.
Ryu's eyes lit up. This was much more profound than he had imagined. Every fight, every loot, every step he took in this forest had a direct impact on his progress.
His boundless curiosity now had a purpose, a clear system to explore.
His boredom had completely vanished, replaced by a sense of progression and the potential for limitless adventure. "Very well, Aethelgard," he said softly, a wide smile on his face.
"Let's see what else you're hiding."
Whisperingwood Forest was challenging, but he knew this was only the beginning. A small voice in the back of his mind, one he usually ignored, now whispered: "If you've come this far, why not just go for it?"
Ryu glanced around the forest. Although he had mastered this beginner's area, he knew that the world of Aethelgard must be much wider and more promising.
He needed information, new missions, and perhaps better equipment. And for that, he had to find other people.
Armed with his Thief instincts and his boundless curiosity, Ryu sets out on the move. He doesn't know exactly where to go,but he decided to follow the direction of a small river he found not far from where he fought. His gaming experience told him that rivers often lead to civilization.
The journey is not entirely easy. Despite defeating the hordes of rabbits, Ryu still occasionally encounters Rabbits hiding behind rocks or bushes.
With the agility of his Thief class, Ryu learned to avoid unnecessary combat by stealth-moving through the trees, using his "Silent Steps" which he have.
When forced to fight, he relies on his wits and tree branches as weapons, as he has done before. Each Rabbit he defeats adds a little XP and coins to his inventory.
After walking for what felt like hours, following the widening riverbank, the forest began to thin out.
The giant trees gave way to sparser forests, and finally, opened up into a vast grassland.
In the distance, beyond the rolling green hills, Ryu could see it: the silhouettes of more regular buildings, thin smoke rising from chimneys,and even the faint sound of a crowd could be heard. A settlement. A city, or perhaps a larger village.
Ryu's heart was pounding with a different kind of anticipation. It was no longer the adrenaline of battle, but the excitement of discovery. He would soon be interacting with NPCs,maybe get your first real mission, or even meet other players.
His steps quickened, heading towards the lights and sounds of a new civilization. Aethelgard Online has turned a new page that is far more interesting than the reality it once left behind.