the right weapon

Jack reached for the weapon that seemed to call to him. The short, crisscrossed blade, though plain in design, exuded an aura of silent power that made him move toward it instinctively, drawn by an unspoken force. When he grasped the handle, it fit perfectly, feeling like an extension of himself. He lifted it, and his appraisal skill activated.

[Shadowfang]

[Grade 3 Equipment]

[Enchantment: Phantom Strike — Increases speed and evasion, with a 10% chance to strike undetected.]

[Agility: +40]

[Strength: +10]

[Dexterity: +25]

[Durability: 88%]

Jack's eyes widened as he took in the stats. This was a weapon he could work with. Shadowfang felt weightless in his hand, perfectly balanced, as if it were a part of him. A thrill shot through him. Finally, he'd found something that felt right!

This weapon gave a similar feeling, very similar to what he felt inside. The need to stand out among many. To escape the shadows that locked him away.

'There's nothing more perfect' he thought, running his fingers across the cold blade.

He looked up at Alogra, who observed him with a raised eyebrow, noticing the gleam in Jack's eyes. "Found something interesting?"

"This one," Jack said, holding the dagger up so it caught the faint light. "It feels right."

Alogra gave a nod of approval. "Good choice. A light weapon like that will keep you swift on your feet, forcing you to rely on skill over brute force."

Jack felt his confidence swell as he sheathed the dagger, feeling its reassuring weight against his side. It was no grand claymore, no enchanted longsword, but it felt like it was made for him.

Alogra's gaze softened slightly, taking on a tone almost contemplative. "Remember, this journey you're on will demand more than muscle. You'll need a weapon that becomes part of you. Let your blade speak when words fail, and never forget—strength isn't just size. It's purpose and conviction that'll carve your path."

Jack nodded and tightened his grip on the dagger, his determination hardening.

"Now that you're done choosing, let's get back to training." Alogra's voice snapped him back, bringing a bitter smile to Jack's face. He'd briefly forgotten about the daily torture of slashing a thousand times.

"Come on, we've wasted enough time already," Alogra said, gesturing for him to head outside.

Sighing in resignation, Jack left the room. The momentary satisfaction of wielding Shadowfang faded as the reality of endless training loomed before him.

"There's hardly any food left in storage," Alogra commented casually as they reached the yard. "I'll need to stock up soon. And I doubt I'll bother feeding a lazy stomach." Jack couldn't help but grumble under his breath.

'Not only does he keep me half-starved, but now he's saying he might not feed me at all?' The vein in his neck throbbed as he swallowed his irritation.

With a final huff, Alogra left Jack to his drills and headed toward the kitchen. Jack steeled himself for the thousand slashes awaiting him and began cutting through the air, the blade arcing in fluid, precise strokes.

As he continued, he realized something incredible: the effort wasn't as taxing as before, his movements smooth and controlled. 'It's easier, and each movement flows more naturally… so this was the old man's plan all along,' he thought, a grudging smile forming. The endless chores, the relentless training—everything Alogra had put him through had built his strength and coordination.

Jack chuckled to himself, shaking his head. 'Guess I'm not as quick-witted as I thought. It took me this long to figure it out.'

He was seeing the results now. His body was adapting to the weight of Shadowfang; it almost felt like an extension of his arm, something he didn't have to think about wielding. His muscles responded instinctively, his form refined and honed by Alogra's intense regimen.

Watching through the kitchen window, Alogra's sharp eyes gleamed as he observed Jack's progress. "Finally, he understands," he muttered, a satisfied smile breaking through his stoic demeanor.

Time slipped by, the cool night air settling around him. Everything else faded into the background—the rhythmic chirping of distant birds, the rustle of the trees in the breeze. Jack felt an unfamiliar sensation creeping over him, something beyond sight and sound. It was as though he could feel every movement in his surroundings, attuning himself to the quiet hum of life.

Each breath he took drew him deeper into this connection, making him feel more aware, sharper. He could almost sense the air around him, as if something fundamental was shifting within.

Jack's trance grew, and he felt energy slowly filtering into his body, merging with him in a way he hadn't experienced before.

[MP: +10]

The mana wasn't funneling directly to his core as it usually did. Instead, it was spreading through his muscles and bones, seeping into every part of him. His body absorbed the mana, a strange yet exhilarating feeling filling him as the soreness of his muscles faded and a renewed energy pulsed through his veins.

The sensation was addictive. Every ache, every bruise from his training vanished, leaving him refreshed. He didn't want it to end.

[Host has unlocked new title: Battle Mage!]

[Host has earned a new skill: Basic Aura!]

[Skill Basic Aura has been upgraded to Lord Aura!]

[Skill description: All who face the lord of the dead will feel fear!]

[EXP: +200]

[MP: +10]

[MP core: 100/100]

[MP body: 70/100]

"What is this?" Jack murmured, unable to suppress his astonishment as a flurry of notifications filled his vision. A sense of accomplishment welled up inside him. For the first time, he felt as though he was truly beginning to understand his own potential.

'This… I've done it,' he thought, a triumphant smile slowly spreading across his face.

The feeling was abruptly shattered by Alogra's voice, calling from the shadows.

"Hey, boy! The food's low, and I'm in no mood to go hunting tonight. If you're hungry, you'd better head out and catch something yourself."

Jack's smile faded, replaced by a look of pure disbelief.