Eron stepped through the doorway.
Sunlight struck him full—bright, clean, almost blinding after thirty days of muted crimson glow. He blinked hard, raising one hand to shield his eyes, then slowly lowered it.
Before him stretched forest—vast, silent, overwhelming.
Trees rose like ancient sentinels, trunks wider than houses, bark dark and rough, leaves deep green catching light in golden flecks across mossy ground. Mountains stood distant—jagged peaks wrapped in thin mist, slopes heavy with green. Where streets and buildings once stood, now only wilderness remained. No concrete. No steel. No echo of the old life.
He took one careful step forward.
The air felt heavier—thicker, purer. It filled his lungs like cool water, refreshing in a way that made his whole body relax. No pollution. No dust. Just clean, living breath.
He stood there a long moment, letting the scene settle into him.
Then the golden screen appeared—silent, unasked.
**Congratulations to Supreme Ruler for receiving Early Stage Gift Rewards.**
A small pile materialized at his feet.
Five spirit pills:
Three for qi sensation—small, translucent blue orbs that shimmered faintly.
One for healing—deep crimson, warm to the touch.
One with no description—black, smooth, heavy in his palm.
Robes appeared next.
Blue outer layer, white inner lining—fabric soft yet strong, flowing yet holding shape. High quality. Elegant. Faint silver threads along sleeves and hem—almost invisible unless light hit them exactly right.
Traits whispered in his mind: immune to cold and heat. Social presence woven in—people would notice, respect, without knowing why.
He changed immediately.
Robes settled perfectly—loose yet fitted, moving with every breath. He looked striking. Powerful. Untouchable.
Then the sword.
Basic. Plain hilt, straight blade—nothing ornate. High attack, high durability marked by the system. Hung at his waist with a simple leather belt that appeared with it.
Sword technique knowledge flowed in.
Seven realms: Mortal Blade → Sword Intent → Sword Domain → Sword Heart → Sword Soul → Heavenly Sword → Eternal Sword Sovereign.
He received the first realm technique. Others locked.
Four stances appeared in his mind—precise, deadly, meant for sword.
He set the knowledge aside for now.
It was 2 p.m.
He wanted to explore.
He left—sword at side, robes flowing, nothing else. No bag. Storage made that unnecessary.
He walked toward the sun—westward. No map. No compass. Only instinct.
He moved slowly, observing.
Trees towered. Leaves rustled. Small animals darted—quick shadows. Ground soft with moss and needles.
By 4 p.m. still deep in forest.
The screen appeared again.
**Task: Build a tree house.**
No details. No guide.
Eron looked up—found massive tree, thick branches.
Drew sword. Cut wood—uneven at first, blade flashing, chips flying. Annoying. But he enjoyed it. The resistance. The progress.
Built small platform—rough. Climbed. Collapsed.
Screen shimmered.
**Technique rewarded: Basic Tree House Construction.**
Knowledge flowed—angles, balance, weight.
Built again.
One hour later: solid tree house—not big, not small. Sturdy. Simple roof of woven branches. Open sides.
8 p.m.
Pitch dark.
Chill—not cold. Instinct. Danger.
Hid in thick leaves—high, hidden.
Below: wolf-like creature—red eyes glowing. Lean, black fur, sharp teeth. Sniffing where he stood.
It might find him.
Dropped—silent. Sword drawn.
**Demon Pillar Break.**
Qi surged.
Creature sensed—head snapped up.
Too late.
One punch.
Hole tore through chest—clean, smoking.
Collapsed—dead.
Eron fell to knees—shaking. Scared. Do or die.
Screen appeared.
**Congratulations to Supreme Ruler for first kill.**
**Brave Kill rewarded.**
**Title: Fearless**
**Traits: Qi increased. Fearless against anyone.**
Shaking stopped.
Fear faint. Almost nothing.
Another screen.
**Soul collected: Akt (demon-like creature).**
Grey shadow rose—wolf form, red eyes dimmed. Knelt—loyal. Unbreakable.
**Soul Collector (Hidden Talent) awakened.**
**Collect souls freely. Loyalty absolute. Stats remain as at death. Strength preserved. Cannot die. Cannot be killed by others.**
**Weakness: Cannot be called in light—they will perish.**
Eron stared.
Powerful.
Not invincible. Close.
Could call Akt with thought—order in mind or voice.
Tiredness crashed.
Returned to tree house. Slept.
Next day—decided to stay in forest. Explore. Grow stronger.
Routine: meditation first. Sword practice. Body training.
Six months passed.
Collected over 600 Akt souls—grey shadows, silent guardians.
Daily Draw: mostly fruits. No extraordinary items.
No tasks these months.
Sword realm reached **Mortal Blade Realm – Peak**.
Moved blade like it had always been part of him—fluid, deadly, instinctive.
Forest became home.
But he felt it was time to move on.
Had not seen the first-night creature again.
Walked hours—toward sun.
Saw no carriage. No people.
Only forest. Mountains. Silence.
To be continued…