A Dim Light
A dim light seeped through the hospital window, illuminating a young man lying unconscious on a pristine white bed. His body still felt stiff, but slowly, his eyelids trembled before finally opening.
Evan stared blankly at the white ceiling above him. The distinct antiseptic scent of the hospital filled his nose. Pain still enveloped his body, especially in his chest, where the Shadow Fang had previously struck him.
"Brother!" The familiar voice of a little girl brought him back to full consciousness.
Evan turned to the side and saw Lilia sitting on a chair, her eyes brimming with tears. Her face looked exhausted but also filled with relief.
"Lilia..." Evan tried to sit up, but his body was still weak.
Lilia immediately stood up and helped support him.
"Don't move too much! You've been unconscious for two whole days. I was so worried!"
Evan gave a faint smile, trying to reassure his sister.
"I'm fine... Just a little weak."
At that moment, the hospital room door opened, and a doctor entered along with an elderly man. The old man wore a brown coat with a warm smile on his face.
"Ah, you're finally awake," the old man said as he approached Evan. "My name is Richard Hensworth, the headmaster of the school where Lilia studies. I'm here just to make sure you're recovering well."
Evan looked at the man in confusion.
"Headmaster...?"
Richard nodded. "We received a report about the incident. It mentioned that you were seriously injured while protecting Lilia and the other students from the Shadow Fang attack, so we decided to help the person who saved our school. We've covered all your medical expenses, so you don't have to worry about the cost."
Evan was shocked. "But... I can't just accept this. I don't want to trouble anyone."
The doctor standing beside Evan also spoke,
"You don't need to worry. This is a token of appreciation for your bravery. You managed to defeat a Shadow Fang alone—something even rookie Hunters would struggle with."
Evan sighed, feeling both relieved and grateful.
"Thank you... I don't know what to say." His eyes welled up with tears.
Richard smiled.
"If you want to repay us, just make sure to keep protecting Lilia and become stronger. This world is dangerous, and I'm sure you realize that more than ever now."
After chatting for a while, Richard bid farewell and left the room, while the doctor ensured Evan's condition before allowing him to be discharged the next day.
Returning Home
The next day, Evan and Lilia walked home toward their small apartment. Though his body was still slightly weak, he felt much better after resting. Upon arriving home, Evan sat on his bed with mixed emotions.
"What exactly happened to me...?" he murmured while looking at his hands.
He recalled the mysterious voice that echoed in his head during the battle with the Shadow Fang. Filled with curiosity, he focused hard on the status window that had appeared before.
Ting!
A transparent window suddenly materialized before him.
[Limitless Blade System Activated]
Evan's eyes widened in shock. "So this is real... It wasn't just a coincidence."
Inside the screen, there were several options, including his status information and a new message.
[New Quest: Basic Training]
Description: Your body is still very weak. To strengthen yourself and get accustomed to this system, complete basic training for one week.
Requirements:
Jogging for 30 minutes daily (0/7)
50 push-ups per day (0/7)
50 sit-ups per day (0/7)
Shadow Sparring with a virtual sword (0/7)
Rewards: +5 Strength, +5 Agility, +5 Endurance
Evan read the quest carefully before a thought crossed his mind.
"So now I have to train? Hmm... That makes sense. Alright, I'll try following what this system says."
Lilia, who was preparing tea in the kitchen, saw Evan talking to himself.
"Brother, who are you talking to?"
Evan smiled slightly. "Ah, nothing... I was just thinking that I should start training."
Lilia approached him with a serious expression.
"In that case, I'll help you! I can wake you up every morning so you don't slack off!"
Evan laughed happily. "Alright, then I'll be counting on you, Lilia."
With a newfound determination burning in his chest, Evan realized that this was the beginning of his journey toward something greater. This system didn't just give him a second chance—it provided him with a path to change his own fate.