The village was peaceful, but peace didn't guarantee survival. Kento knew that if he wanted to grow stronger, he couldn't afford to train only in the safety of the village. To level up quickly, he needed to face real danger.
"I'm going into the jungle," Kento told Gantz one morning as he picked up his wooden sword.
Gantz glanced up from sharpening a blade. "The jungle? You're barely holding that sword, kid. You think you can survive out there?"
Kento's gaze hardened. "I can survive."
The words came out with more conviction than he had expected, but the fire in his chest couldn't be denied.
Gantz studied him for a moment, then let out a sigh. "Fine. But don't come crying back when you're mauled by a demon."
Kento didn't respond. He wasn't afraid. He had no choice but to get stronger. The academy was his goal, but to reach it, he needed power. And the jungle—wild and untamed—was the perfect place to test his limits.
---
The jungle was dense, the thick trees casting long shadows that seemed to swallow up the sunlight. Kento took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. The air was humid, the ground soft underfoot. This place was alive, and every sound felt amplified—the rustling leaves, distant growls, the steady buzz of insects.
"Focus."
Kento's first task was to find something to fight.
As he ventured deeper into the jungle, his instincts took over. He had read about demons and magical beasts in books, but nothing could prepare him for the reality. The jungle was home to many such creatures, from low-level demons to massive, monstrous beasts.
It wasn't long before he encountered his first opponent.
A small demon appeared from behind a bush, its red eyes glowing. It was no taller than a man's waist, with leathery wings and sharp claws that gleamed in the dim light. Its body was covered in scaly, black skin.
"A demon… This is my chance."
Kento didn't hesitate. He raised his wooden sword and rushed toward the creature. His swings were clumsy at first, but the demon was fast. It darted in and out of the shadows, slashing at him with its claws. Kento barely dodged in time, feeling the air whistle past his face as the claws narrowly missed.
"I can't let it get me."
His heart raced, but his past life's instincts kicked in. He had been a survivor. A fighter. That experience flooded back, and he forced himself to focus. This wasn't just some sparring match. This was life or death.
Kento adjusted his grip on the sword, planting his feet firmly. He remembered his lessons—the power in the legs, the momentum, the follow-through.
The demon lunged at him again, but this time Kento was ready. He sidestepped the attack and swung his sword in a wide arc, catching the demon's side. The wooden blade connected with a sickening crack, and the demon screeched in pain.
It staggered back, but Kento didn't give it a chance to recover. He charged forward, thrusting his sword into the demon's chest with all the force he could muster. The demon collapsed, lifeless.
Kento stood over the fallen creature, panting heavily. His body was sore, his muscles burning, but there was a spark of victory in his chest.
"I did it."
Just as he was about to catch his breath, a blue screen materialized before his eyes, the familiar level-up notification flashing brightly.
---
Level Up!
Kento Yamazaki
Level: 2 → 3
HP: +10
MP: +5
Strength: +2
Agility: +2
Endurance: +1
Magic Power: +1
New Skill Unlocked: Basic Swordsmanship (Beginner)
---
"It's getting stronger."
Kento blinked at the screen, feeling the surge of power coursing through him. His body felt lighter, his movements sharper.
But something was different. As his stats grew, he felt a subtle shift in his core. His magical power was increasing as well, though still faint. He focused on it, recalling the small traces of magic he had felt earlier. The Wind Manipulation skill that he had unlocked.
This time, he tried to reach for it more consciously. His hand outstretched, he focused on his mana. The energy he had felt earlier was now more tangible.
---
Skill Unlocked: Wind Manipulation (Beginner)
Mana Cost: 5 MP
Effect: Create a small gust of wind that can push lightweight objects or enemies.
---
"I can do it."
Kento's eyes widened as a gentle breeze began to stir around his outstretched hand. He felt the power surging through him, the wind obeying his will. It wasn't much—just a gentle gust—but it was enough. He had unlocked his first magic spell.
With a smile, Kento released the wind in front of him. The air swirled, pushing a few leaves and twigs aside. The feeling was thrilling, the power within him becoming more real.
"This is just the beginning."
He spent the rest of the day experimenting with the wind, learning to control it, to make it stronger and more directed. As the sun began to set, Kento was exhausted, but he felt a deep satisfaction.
Returning to the village, his body was bruised, and his clothes were torn, but the magic he had unlocked filled him with new determination. He hadn't just survived the jungle—he had made his first real step toward becoming the mage he had always dreamed of.
Gantz looked at him with a raised eyebrow as Kento entered the village. "You look like you've been through hell, but I can see the fire in your eyes. You ready to keep going?"
Kento nodded, his eyes burning with resolve. "I'm not done yet."
"I'll be the best mage. No one will stop me."
---