I checked the body of the hunter I just killed, ordinary leather armor, a small knife, rope, a water bottle, some dry food and most interestingly a crumpled paper. 

I unfolded it, revealing a rough map of the forest area with several red crosses and a large circle in the innermost area. The target location? Very interesting, and I took a closer look at the small writing at the bottom.

Core Zone — No Entry

I chuckled.

"If it's written that it's prohibited, that's usually the main goal."

Universal rule of fantasy stories, I put the map in the loot bag, of course it is very useful, hunter items are also quite helpful.

I now have:

Knife

Water bottle

small bag

Few rations

Increase the storage a lot I really like, after making sure there is nothing useful anymore I continue the journey, the new target is clear towards the core zone. 

If many people are searching there, it means the potential for a big reward and the risk are also high. As I walked deeper, the trees began to change; their trunks grew larger, the leaves darker, and the roots protruded like giant snakes, and the fog grew thicker. 

Minor Mana Sense gave me an uncomfortable sensation the energy in this area was much denser, wilder like the forest itself was actually alive it wasn't impossible, I sighed.

"Okay."

“Hopefully no trees will suddenly start talking.”

I had just finished speaking when the stalk in my hand gave a small throb, I stared at the Thorny Branch.

“…I’m not giving ideas.” Please don’t. 

A few minutes later, I heard a rumbling sound in the distance. I immediately stopped, my footsteps heavy, very heavy. The ground shook slightly, not ideal. I crouched down and focused. 

Mana Sense caught something, a very large dot approaching. Okay, time to hide, I quickly climbed up a large root and hid behind a tree trunk. 

A few seconds later something appeared and I immediately understood why this area was called forbidden. 

The monster was almost three meters tall, a gorilla-like body, stone gray skin, large arms, short horns, glowing yellow eyes, it seemed like evolution had forgotten the ordinary.

A notification appears.

Stoneback Ape Lv.18

Danger: High

I stared at the number.

"Eighteen?"

I'm now level 11, the difference is too great, it doesn't make sense at all. A stone gorilla walks through the area carrying something, and I squint, and it turns out to be a human bone. 

Ah what a good variety of food to know, I held my breath until the monster was gone for a few very long minutes, once its steps were away from me then I slowly got down.

"Notes."

"Don't mess with the rock gorilla."

With the knowledge gained, I chose a much safer detour or at least one that wouldn't lead directly to suicide. 

The sun was starting to set in the late afternoon and that's when I discovered something else, namely the Ruins. 

I stopped in the middle of a dense forest hidden behind roots and moss was an ancient, half-ruined stone building, cracked pillars and stairs leading down to the underground.

It was very interesting to increase the level drastically, I approached slowly Minor Mana Sense immediately reacted very strongly large energy came from below. 

Oh, Jackpot? Maybe.

Death trap? High probability

I stood in front of the stairs thinking rationally: going into a mysterious dungeon alone was a bad idea. 

In terms of fantasy protagonist development: of course I'm in. 

I descended the stairs, the air turning cold, damp, and dark. I activated Ember Slash a bit, but the small flame at the end of the Thorny Branch was enough to help. 

The stone corridor stretched out, the walls filled with strange symbols in an unknown language or perhaps too old, I walked carefully, the sound of my footsteps echoing.

After a few minutes, the corridor opened into a circular room, with a stone altar in the center. Atop it lay a small, simple, minimalist, and suspicious black box. 

The mana from it was very strong. I slowly approached, but no traps were visible. This meant there was definitely a trap. I used Root Snare around the altar. The roots touched the floor, but there was no reaction. 

Hmm, Maybe it's safe? I reached out as my finger almost touched the notification box that appeared.

Hidden Trial Detected.

Condition:

Defeat guardian.

I closed my eyes for a moment.

"Of course."

It won't be that easy, a cracking sound was heard.

CRACK.

I turned to see the stone statue in the corner of the room begin to move, its eyes glowing red. Oh come on, the Guardian trope activated. The statue stood fully humanoid, with stone armor and a large sword.

A notification appears.

Ancient Stone Guardian Lv.14

I looked at him, Level 14? Still higher, but not as bad as the gorilla earlier, maybe it could still be handled. 

The guardian raised his sword, a heavy aura filling the room. I gripped the Thorny Branch and took a breath. Alright, first Dungeon, first boss fight, mysterious reward, very much in keeping with the genre. I smiled faintly.

“Let's see.”

"Is the box a corresponding trauma?"

Guardian attacks. 

The fight begins.

[END CHAPTER 7]

The stone guardian attacked without warning, his greatsword swung horizontally with brutal force.

WHOOOSH!

I reflexively ducked, the wind from the slash was enough to mess up my hair, then the sword hit the stone wall behind me.

DUAAR!

The rock cracked, dust fell, I stared at the slash marks.

"Good."

“Can’t be hit.” Simple enough, 

The Guardian pulled his sword out of the wall with ease. With such incredible strength, I immediately moved to the side, giving the monster no room to lock onto its target.

Bosses like this usually:

Slow

Hard

Irritating

Hopefully at least two out of three, I attack first stabbing the guardian's thigh.

CLANG.

Thorny Branch bounces.

…

I stared at my weapon, the Guardian stared at me. We both understood one thing: that had been embarrassing. 

High defense as expected. Guardian raised his leg and kicked, and I barely had time to dodge.

BUK!

My body was thrown several meters away, my back hitting the floor.

“UGH!”

The forced breath was so painful, I rolled quickly before the large sword hit my fallen position.

BOOM!

The floor broke. 

Okay, no more mistakes, I got up, clutching my chest. The increased vitality was a big help, but I was still human. 

I activated Minor Mana Sense, focusing on sensing the energy flow. This guardian wasn't truly alive, but rather powered by mana core. This meant there had to be a weak point. I circled the guardian, searching for it. The monster attacked again with a vertical slash, which I dodged and then counterattacked at the arm.

CLANG.

Still useless.

“Yes, I know your armor is thick.”

"No need to show off."

I kept my eyes focused and then I saw it. On the back of the guardian's neck was a small red crystal embedded. Oh, my classic core, I like the predictable look. 

The problem: the position is high and the guardian won't stay still waiting for me to need a pass, I took a breath.

"Good."

“Simple strategy.” Trap first, 

I raised my hand.

Root Snare!

Roots coming out of the floor wrapped around the guardian's legs successfully a little, his movements slowed down but not completely stopped as expected the level difference was enough. 

The guardian roared mechanically and tried to break the roots, I ran forward jumping onto the broken rock beside me and then onto the guardian's shoulder.

I love fantasy parkour. Guardian tried to grab me but I was faster, I climbed onto his back and reached his neck, and the red crystal was clearly visible.

"Meet."

I activated the Thorny Branch Ember Slash, it lit up with a small flame and then stabbed the crystal.

CRACK.

Guardian froze for a split second, cracks spread from his neck to his entire body so good, I jumped down. The next second

BOOM!

The guardian's body collapsed into a pile of stones, the room was silent, dust filled the air, I stood still, breathing heavily, my body ached but I was still alive and victorious.

A notification appears.

Ancient Stone Guardian defeated.

EXP gained.

High reward bonus.

Level 12 reached.

Level 13 reached.

Strength +2

Vitality +2

Mana +2

I smiled broadly.

“Useful.”

A further trial notification appears.

Trial complete.

Reward unlocked.

The black box on the altar opened automatically with a simple click, unfortunately there was no dramatic music. I approached inside the box was a plain black ring made of dark metal with small root carvings on its surface. The mana from it was very dense, then I touched it, as soon as my finger touched the ring, information entered my head.

Artifact obtained:

Rootkeeper Ring

Effect:

20 slot item storage

Small mana regeneration

Compatibility bonus with plant-type classes

I froze. A storage ring? Seriously? Jackpot. I immediately put the ring on, it fit perfectly. Great, I tried to focus, but a blank space appeared in my mind. 20 storage slots. I almost laughed with joy.

"Technology."

Finally no more awkwardly carrying random loot.

I entered:

Map

Food

Water bottle

Knife

Everything went into storage beautifully, this was the pinnacle of technological fantasy, I was very satisfied but when I was about to leave Minor Mana Sense suddenly reacted again there was something else still in this room. 

I stopped focusing on this sensation coming from beneath the altar. A hidden compartment? Interesting. I looked around, found a small gap, pressed against a particular stone, and then clicked. 

The altar slides open, revealing a small compartment, and inside is an old book with a dark green, dusty cover and gold root carvings. This book is even stranger than the previous artifact. I pick it up, and as soon as I touch it, a notification appears.

Skill Book detected.

Compatible with user.

Skill:

Nature Assimilation

Requirement:

Plant-compatible class.

I looked at the book then my class then the book again, I smiled.

“Oh.”

“So finally someone appreciates this class.”

I opened the book, green light enveloped my body, the skill information was immediately absorbed.

A notification appears.

Skill learned:

Nature Assimilation

Effect:

Speeds up regeneration when in natural areas.

Enhances sense of plants and resources.

Minor healing while resting.

I nodded in satisfaction. The sustain skill was excellent. I was now even more suited to being a forest dweller. Survival completed, dungeon cleared, artifact obtained, skill doubled. Today had been a truly productive day, I checked my quest progress.

Day 2/7

Survival continues.

Only the second day.

And I have:

kill a classmate

kill hunter

clear mini dungeon

can storage ring

Honestly, making solid progress, I left the altar room and climbed back to the surface. The sky outside was already dark, the second night had begun, but this time it was different. I was stronger, more prepared, and most importantly, I was beginning to understand one thing: this forest wasn't just a dangerous place, it was a resource-rich opportunity zone. 

If I could survive seven days I might come out as a monster just like planned but when I came out of the ruins I stopped because in front of the entrance there was someone standing. 

A woman with short black hair, light armor, holding two daggers, her gaze was sharp and clearly not a monster, not an ordinary hunter either, she stared at me for a few seconds then said,

“So you're the one who's causing a commotion in this forest.”

I sighed.

“Popularity is tiring.”

The woman slightly raised her eyebrows assessing, analyzing the danger, pulling out she spun one of her daggers.

"Calm."

“I haven't decided whether to kill you or not.”

I smiled faintly.

"Good."

“Because I haven't decided whether I want to believe you or not.”

The second night suddenly became more interesting.

[END CHAPTER 8]

We stared at each other in silence, the night air chilling, a thin mist moving through the stone ruins. On one side was me, the smell of blood, dungeon dust, and questionable life decisions. On the other, a strange woman with two daggers and the aura of someone who clearly knew how to kill. 

A very healthy dynamic. I examined his appearance in more detail; he was probably around my age or slightly older. Short, shoulder-length black hair, sharp eyes, as if always calculating the worst possible outcome, dark leather armor, and light, efficient movements with no wasted movement. Experienced.

A small notification appears.

Target analysis limited.

Level unreadable.

Threat: Unknown

I frowned, unable to read the level? Not good at all. The woman seemed to see my reaction, the corners of her lips lifting slightly.

“Hm.”

“At least you have some instinct.”

I sighed.

“Thanks, I guess.”

He kept one of his daggers but kept the other in his hand, semi-friendly or semi-threatening it was hard to tell.

"I'm Nara," she said briefly.

What a beautiful and nice name, I nodded slowly.

“Cancer.”

"I know."

Oh well he really did know, I crossed my arms.

“News about me spread fast.”

Nara leaned against a large rock.

"A child who was thrown into the Forbidden Forest, then in two days killed several hunters."

He tilted his head.

"Quite interesting."

I chuckled.

“Glad to entertain.”

Nara didn't laugh, it wasn't a joke. Okay, it's been noted, she stared at the ruins behind me.

“You went in there?”

“Yes.”

"You are alone?"

“Unfortunately yes.”

Nara's gaze turned slightly sharper, more serious.

“You defeated the guardian alone?”

I shrugged.

“With unhealthy levels of stress.”

There was a moment of silence, and for the first time, her expression showed a hint of surprise, indicating that this achievement was indeed unusual. Good, her brand is improving. Nara stepped closer, and I was automatically on guard. She stopped about three meters away from me, a safe distance for negotiation and possible betrayal.

“Why aren't you dead yet?”

The question is direct, I like it.

“The motivation of revenge is quite helpful,” I replied.

He stared at me for a long time as if looking for a lie then gave a small nod.

“An honest answer.”

“Sometimes,” I said.

Nara looked towards the forest.

“They are looking for you.”

"Who?"

“Hunter. Adventure. A bit of a mercenary.”

Oh, it's getting more and more exciting.

“Why?”

He looked at me blankly.

“You bring something that interests them.”

I was speechless. It wasn't just my presence? That meant there was a bigger reason, I narrowed my eyes.

“This forest,” I said softly.

“There's something here.”

Nara smiled faintly, finally showing a bit of human expression.

“You caught on quicker than I thought.”

I didn't answer. Nara continued.

“In the past few months, the mana in the Forbidden Forest has increased drastically.”

“Monsters evolve faster.”

“The ancient ruins are starting to become active.”

He glanced at the ring on my finger. Ah there he was, he noticed of course he did.

“And some artifacts are starting to reappear.”

I lowered my hand casually to cover the ring slightly, not subtly but instinctively. Nara looked amused.

"Calm."

“I'm not interested in low-grade artifacts.”

A little offended, this storage ring is amazing to me but okay perspective.

“I'm here for something bigger,” he continued.

I raised an eyebrow.

“Are you from Zona?”

He nodded. Bingo, so everything was leading there, I leaned against the stone wall.

“Okay. Let's save time.”

“You didn't approach me to have a casual chat.”

“So what do you want?”

Nara looked satisfied, perhaps because the conversation had finally gotten to the point.

“I need someone.”

A sentence that raised a red flag, he continued before I could comment.

“Someone who is reckless enough to go deeper.”

"And it's enough to use once if things are bad."

Ah there it is. Such refreshing honesty, I smiled.

“Your charm is extraordinary.”

"Thank You."

He really said it flat the master of flat expressions, I'm starting to like this guy a little, a little within safe limits.

“And why should I agree?” I asked.

Nara raised one finger.

"Information."

Second finger.

“Guide.”

Third finger.

“The chances of life are greater.”

Quite convincingly, he then added,

“And you're not strong enough to enter the core zone alone.”

Well, that part is really annoying, but true. Just a level 18 rock gorilla makes me want to reconsider my life choices. 

I think a few seconds of temporary companionship might be helpful. Just a word of caution: don't stab them while they're sleeping. Important detail.

“What is your purpose in the core zone?” I asked.

Nara was silent for a moment, a little longer than before. Hmm, sensitive topic, so she finally answered,

“Looking for something that belongs to my family.”

Cryptic? Looks suspiciously like a protagonist, but to be fair, I'm not completely transparent either.

“And if we find it?”

He answered without hesitation.

“I'll take what's mine.”

“You take whatever is left.”

Pragmatic I like the clear distribution of loot reduces drama very potentially, I nodded slowly.

“Temporary cooperation?”

"Temporary cooperation," he said.

He held out his hand, I looked at his hand then looked at his face.

"If you betray me"

“I know,” he interrupted.

“Revenge, unreasonable growth, creepy tree trunks.”

I blinked.

“…has it become my reputation?”

“Less is more.”

Great, his personal brand is growing rapidly. I finally shook his hand briefly, coldly, and there was no trust built at all. A perfect alliance.

Notifications pop up suddenly.

Party formed (Temporary)

Members:

Cancer

Nara

Bonus:

Minor EXP increase while cooperating.

I stared at the screen.

“Oh, so the system supports teamwork.”

Nara shrugged.

“Sometimes.”

He started walking.

“Take a rest first.”

“We'll go deeper tomorrow morning.”

I follow.

“And if I refuse halfway?”

Nara glanced at me.

"Please."

“Then die alone.”

Fair enough, we arrived at a small, sheltered area near the ruins. Nara's temporary camp had been lit with a flint, a very primitive fire. I was a little proud of having Ember Slash, which boosted my confidence a bit. We sat across from each other in silence, the small fire burning in the middle. It was awkward, and I decided to break the silence.

"So."

“Do all your introductions always start with an ambiguous threat?”

Nara stared at the fire.

“Usually worse.”

“Relieves.”

He glanced at me for a moment, then said softly,

“You don't look like a murderer.”

I chuckled.

“Two days ago I didn't either.”

It was quiet again this time not so awkward more like two people who were both tired and both had too many problems, I saw the quest.

Day 2/7 complete.

There are still five days left, but I'm no longer alone. Whether this is good news or the beginning of new problems remains to be seen. I slowly close my eyes. Tomorrow, the Core Zone will be filled with greater danger, greater rewards, and the possibility of even more spectacular bad decisions as planned.

[END CHAPTER 9]