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]

I woke up earlier than usual or maybe I didn't really sleep well, it's hard to sleep when your only travel companion is a mysterious woman whose level is unreadable and who could most likely stab you in three fatal spots before breakfast.

The campfire was a healthy environment, with only a few embers remaining, and the morning mist hanging low among the trees. The air was cooler than yesterday. I opened my eyes and reflexively looked around. Nara was awake, of course, sitting on a rock, sharpening one of her daggers. Her movements were calm, precise, almost deliberate. I ignored the fact that the tool she was sharpening was meant for stabbing vital organs.

“Good morning,” I said.

Nara glanced briefly.

“You slept holding a gun.”

I looked at the Thorny Branch that I was still holding.

“…new habits.”

“Paranoid,” he corrected.

“Survival instinct,” I replied.

Nara didn't respond, it was hard to win a debate with someone whose default expression was unpaid invoice. 

I stood up and stretched. Nature Assimilation was actually very helpful, even after a short sleep. My body felt much fresher, and the minor injuries from last night were almost healed, which was very good. I opened my status.

Name: Lock

Level 13

Class: One Tree Trunk

Weapon: Thorny Branch

Skill:

Devour Root

Ember Slash

Root Snare

Minor Mana Sense

Nature Assimilation

Good progress, still far from overpowered, but no longer depressing, I was a little satisfied. Nara threw something at me, and I caught it reflexively, a small, dark red fruit.

“What is this?” I asked.

“It’s edible.” Not a very convincing answer.

I stared at the fruit.

“Edible and safe to eat are two different categories.”

"If it was poisonous I wouldn't give it to you."

I raised an eyebrow.

“High optimism.”

Even though I ate it, it tasted sour, a little bitter but gave a warm sensation in the body, not bad.

“Light buff,” Nara said.

“Thirty minutes of cold resistance.” I nodded. 

Okay, that's useful. We started walking after packing up camp. Today's target: the core zone. 

There was no pressure, the morning forest felt different, the deeper we went in, the heavier the atmosphere, the trees changed shape, the trunks were darker, the leaves were almost black, large roots spread like giant snakes. 

Some even moved slightly, but I chose to pretend not to notice that mental health was important. Minor Mana Sense also began to work harder, the energy in this area was too dense, even the air felt heavy. I looked at Nara.

“Have you been this far?”

“Once,” he replied.

"Almost die."

A great boost in confidence, we continued our journey in silence, occasionally Nara signaling stops, avoiding certain areas, pointing out monster tracks or natural traps. 

He's clearly experienced, I'm starting to understand why he's still alive a useful but still suspicious partner, yeah pretty balanced.

A few hours passed and finally we arrived at the limit, I knew it even before Nara stopped because the atmosphere changed drastically. 

Before us lay a large open area like a giant clearing in the middle of a black earth forest, the fog was thicker and in the middle of it a giant tree. 

I froze the trunk was so large it felt like a tower, its roots spread throughout the area, its leaves were dark silver, a faint light was coming from the trunk, the mana from it was so great it was almost suffocating.

Notifications appear automatically.

Area discovered:

Core Zone — False World Tree

Danger: Extreme

I read the name of the area twice.

“The World Tree... is fake?”

Interesting. Nara stood beside me, her gaze serious.

“That is the center of this forest.”

“The root of all change.”

I couldn't stop staring at the tree, the Thorny Branch in my hand started to throb once, twice, stronger than before as if responding to something, I looked at my weapon. Oh?

A new notification appears.

Class resonance detected.

Source nearby.

Evolution material present.

I stared at the writing, my heart beating faster. The closest source? Could it be the tree? I slowly raised my head to look at the giant tree in front of me, a small smile appearing on my face.

“I think my class is very interested.”

Nara glanced at the notification on my face.

"Guess?"

“Maybe a big jackpot,” I replied.

He let out a small sigh.

"Good."

“That means our problems are big too.”

Fair enough we started to slowly move into the area, each step feeling wrong like stepping into the territory of something that shouldn't be disturbed. 

My instincts screamed back, go away, find a quiet life, maybe open a shop, but curiosity was far stronger than a very bad bad trait. 

Just a few steps in, I heard the voices of not monsters but several humans, Nara and I immediately took cover behind a large root to peek. 

There were five people near the tree, their armor better, their weapons fully equipped, and their auras stronger—they weren't hunters by any chance. One of them, wearing a long, dark blue coat, held a metal staff, seemingly the leader. They were digging for something near the tree roots, searching for something. Nara narrowed her eyes.

“Too late,” he whispered.

I noticed the symbol on their armor was an unknown white circle symbol.

A small notification appears.

Faction detected:

White Council

Threat: High

White Council? New name, possibly new problems, that's great, I whispered,

“Know them?”

Nara's expression changed slightly to one of extreme dislike.

“Yes.”

His tone was colder.

“And that's bad news.”

Okay, that's clear. The group leader suddenly spoke, his voice was clear.

“Search faster.”

“The artifact must be found before the next resonance.”

Resonance, Artifact, Tree, Class resonance the puzzle pieces began to connect, I stared at the Thorny Branch my weapon pulsed again stronger as if calling. Damn, please don't activate drama mode now, Nara saw my expression.

"What is it?"

I answered quietly,

“I think... what they're looking for might react to me.”

Nara looked at me, was silent for two seconds then took a deep breath.

“Great.”

“I've only known you for two days and my life is already more complicated.”

I smiled a little.

“Glad to contribute.”

In front of us one of the White Council members suddenly stopped, he turned towards the bush where we were hiding. 

“Who’s there?!” he shouted.

All heads immediately turned towards us, Nara and I looked at each other silently for a split second then I said,

“I think stealth mode is over.”

Nara took out her two daggers.

“Yes.”

And in an instant the situation turned very bad again.

[END CHAPTER 10]