The Cost of Overconfidence
Declan couldn't shake the feeling of vulnerability as he returned to the guild. The reality check was both humbling and sobering. He reviewed his system stats in solitude, contemplating his next moves.
[Ascendant System]
Host: Declan Greyford
Class: Ascendant Hunter
Level: 6
Equivalent Rank: E-
Exp: 175/600
Stats:
Strength: 10
Agility: 10
Intelligence: 11
Mana: 45
Stamina: 35
Skills:
Intermediate Swordsmanship
Serpent's Bane
Enhanced Reflexes
Advanced Agility
Quests and rewards:
None
Sarah appeared next to him, her face as stern as ever. "Another mission is up, Declan. We need you to secure some rare herbs from an E-Rank Gate. But I've seen the reports from the last mission. You think you can handle it?"
Declan met her gaze. "I've learned my lesson. I won't let my guard down again."
[System Prompt: New Quest: Retrieve Rare Herbs from E-Rank Gate. Reward: Experience + Skill Unlock.]
He knew the system was in his favor, but he had started to understand that it was not a guarantee of victory. It was a tool, one that he must master fully to survive.
---
As Declan and a new team of hunters stepped into the E-Rank gate, they were greeted by a vibrant meadow, teeming with bizarre flora. Following the map on his wrist comm, Declan led the team deeper into the meadow.
[System Prompt: Objective in sight. Rare Herb: Bloodroot.]
He spotted the bloodroot and started harvesting. Just then, a roar echoed through the meadow, and a large, bear-like creature emerged from the trees, its eyes fixated on Declan.
[System Prompt: Threat Detected. Cave Bear Approaching.]
This time, Declan wasted no time. He directed his team to form a defensive circle around the herbs. "Get ready, something big is coming."
[System Prompt: Cave Bear. Weak Point: Behind the Ears.]
The bear charged, its immense size and speed belying its menacing appearance. Declan activated his Enhanced Reflexes skill, dodging its initial pounce while swinging his sword towards the bear's identified weak point.
[System Prompt: Effective Hit. Exp gained: 35.]
The bear roared in pain but was far from defeated. It swung its massive paw, aiming for Declan. His Advanced Agility kicked in, and he somersaulted over the bear, landing another hit behind its ears.
[System Prompt: Monster Defeated. Exp gained: 100.]
[System Prompt: Quest Complete. Experience earned: 200. Skill Unlocked: Improved Healing.]
Relieved, Declan looked back at his team. They were visibly impressed, and their eyes held a newfound respect for him. This time, he had been the leader they needed, and it showed.
[Ascendant System]
Host: Declan Greyford
Class: Ascendant Hunter
Level: 7
Equivalent Rank: E
Exp: 0/700
Stats:
Strength: 11
Agility: 11
Intelligence: 12
Mana: 50
Stamina: 40
Skills:
Intermediate Swordsmanship
Serpent's Bane
Enhanced Reflexes
Advanced Agility
Improved Healing: Speeds up healing process.
As he pocketed the Bloodroot herbs and headed back to the guild, Declan knew he was on a challenging journey, one fraught with danger and adversity. But as long as he had his Ascendant System, and the wisdom to use it wisely, he was willing to face whatever came next.