Chapter 2: The Ascendant System

Declan ventured deeper into the goblin-infested lair, the thrill of his first successful encounter still coursing through him. The dimly lit cavern stretched out before him, winding and twisting as he explored its depths. The sounds of dripping water echoed off the rough stone walls.

As he moved cautiously, the Ascendant System's interface displayed his current status:

[Ascendant System]

- Host: Declan Greyford

- Class: Ascendant

- Level: 1

- Experience Points: 30/100

- Strength: 10

- Agility: 5

- Intelligence: 7

- Stamina: 6

- Skill Points (SP): 0

- Stat Points (STP): 0

He knew that gaining experience points and improving his stats were crucial to becoming a formidable hunter. The system had shown him a glimpse of its power, and he was determined to master it.

As he ventured deeper into the cavern, he spotted a narrow passageway that led to a chamber filled with goblins. The flickering light of a makeshift torch revealed their grotesque features and menacing weapons.

[Enemy Interface]

- Goblin Archer x2

- Goblin Shaman x1

- Level: 2

- Strength: 6

- Experience Points: 15 each (Archers), 20 (Shaman)

The goblins hadn't noticed him yet. Declan carefully assessed the situation. Taking advantage of the shadows, he decided to use his newly gained knowledge from the Ascendant System.

Analyzing the Goblin Shaman's stats, he discovered a weakness—the shaman had lower physical defense compared to the archers.

[Ascendant System]

- Goblin Shaman Weakness: Low Physical Defense

With this insight, Declan planned his approach. He silently moved closer to the chamber's entrance, staying out of sight. He focused his thoughts on the Ascendant System and activated his first skill: "Shadow Strike."

[Ascendant System]

- New Skill Learned: Shadow Strike

- Skill Description: Allows the user to move swiftly and silently, closing the gap between the user and the enemy in an instant for a surprise attack.

With a burst of agility, Declan dashed forward, his movements so swift that he seemed like a shadow. Before the goblins could react, he was upon them.

Using "Shadow Strike," he incapacitated the Goblin Shaman first, striking precisely at its weak point. The shaman let out a startled cry as it crumpled to the ground, defeated.

[Ascendant System]

- Experience Points Gained: 20

The two Goblin Archers, now alarmed, turned to face him. They fired their crude arrows, but Declan's newfound agility allowed him to dodge the projectiles with ease. Closing the gap swiftly, he dispatched the archers, their forms dissipating into sparkling particles.

[Ascendant System]

- Experience Points Gained: 15 (x2)

The chamber fell silent, and Declan felt a rush of satisfaction. He was getting the hang of this. His experience points had increased, and he was now more attuned to the flow of combat.

[Ascendant System]

- Experience Points: 80/100

As he moved deeper into the lair, the cavern's eerie darkness concealing his presence, he couldn't help but wonder about the potential of the Ascendant System. What other skills and abilities would he unlock? And how would he fare against more formidable foes?

**[Skill Interface]**

Declan's curiosity about the system's abilities led him to access the Skill Interface. It displayed the skills he currently possessed and their descriptions:

- **Shadow Strike (Level 1):** Allows the user to move swiftly and silently, closing the gap between the user and the enemy in an instant for a surprise attack.

Declan contemplated the possibilities as he continued his journey deeper into the goblin lair. With each encounter, he hoped to uncover more skills and secrets hidden within the Ascendant System, and to become a hunter like no other.