Kael and Riven followed the dwarf into a cluttered workshop full of ticking machines and glowing glyphs. Gears turned above their heads, and a suspended forge floated in the center of the room like a beating heart.
"Name's Grumm," the dwarf said, wiping soot from his hands. "And since you two look like you just stepped outta some forgotten realm, let me give you the crash course."
He walked over to a glowing crystal screen on the wall and tapped it. A pulse of energy shot out—and Kael felt something click in his mind.
Suddenly—
A glowing menu screen appeared in front of him. Transparent. Detailed. Like a game HUD.
[KAEL] – LEVEL 5
Class: Fighter
Specialization: Unknown
Weapon Affinity: Sword
Hidden Trait: Dual-Wielding Unlocked
Abilities: Heavy Strike, Riposte, Endurance Boost
EXP to Next Level: 320
Inventory: Obsidian Blade, Storm Dagger, Scroll of Shock, 3x Heal Draught
Currency: 0 Arcshine
Kael's eyes widened. "What… is this?"
Grumm grinned. "Welcome to the System, lad. Every being in this world's linked to it. It tracks your progress, power, what you can do—and what you will be able to do. You fight, you level up. You complete quests, you earn Arcshine, gear, upgrades."
Riven blinked as her own screen popped up.
[RIVEN] – LEVEL 6
Class: Ranger
Specialization: Shadowstriker
Weapon Affinity: Bow, Dagger
Abilities: Shadowstep, Power Shot, Silent Strike
Passive: Vision Boost (Night)
Inventory: Lightning Crossbow, Throwing Dagger x5, Cloak of Echoes
Currency: 0 Arcshine
"Shadowstriker?" Riven murmured. "Didn't even know that was a thing."
"It wasn't, till you became one," Grumm said, lighting a cigar that smoked blue. "The System adapts. Tracks who you are, how you fight. Unlocks new paths the more you push yourself."
Kael frowned. "Why didn't I know I could dual wield?"
"You never tried," Grumm smirked. "You're a sword guy, sure—but your energy signature says otherwise. Now that the System's synced with this world, it's fully active. You'll grow fast. Real fast."
He walked over to a board on the wall labeled "Contracts" with glowing runes.
"Here's how it works: take quests from this board. Hunt beasts, scout wild zones, guard trade routes, or delve into old ruins. Each job earns you Arcshine, rare loot, and EXP."
Kael looked at the glowing options.
[AVAILABLE QUESTS]
– Hunt: Skyfang Drifter (Tier I) – 150 EXP / 60 Arcshine
– Escort: Lightroot Caravan – 80 EXP / 40 Arcshine
– Scout: Forgotten Tower Ruins – 200 EXP / 1 Rare Item
– Riftguard Job: Investigate Dragon King's Corruption Zone – 400 EXP / 3x Epic Loot
"Take what you want. Fight hard. Trade smart," Grumm said. "Level up, and you might just stand a chance when the Dragon King finally turns his gaze this way."
Kael grinned as he equipped a second blade from his pack and watched his stats shift.
"Let's see what I can really do.