Hikari – Level 2

  ? Title: Traveler (Lv1), Hero (Lv1) (grants +1 to all stats)

  ? EXP: 2/300

  Stats:

  ? Attack: 6

  ? HP: 12

  ? Speed: 3

  ? Defense: 3

  ? Mana: 23

  ? Luck: 3

  ? Mana Regeneration: 1.2 (per ??? – unclear unit of time)

  Skills:

  ? [Force Push (Lv1)] – Cost: 10 Mana

  ? [Analysis (Lv1)]

  Unique Skills:

  ? [Soul Synchronization (Lv1)] – Merges Hikari’s and the Soul’s stats. Cost: 1 Mana/sec.

  ? [Blessing of the Universe] – ??? (Hidden description) (Allows choosing a skill upon teleportation – the first choice was "Analysis")

  Passive Skills:

  ? [Mana’s Blessing (Lv1)] – Upon reaching 0 Mana, the max limit increases by 5 upon full recovery.

  ? [Shield Mastery (Lv2)] – Passively increases defense by 2.

  ? [Sword Mastery (Lv2)] – Passively increases attack by 2.

  ? [Alcohol Immunity (Lv1)] – Can consume 100ml of alcohol without intoxication.

  Hikari stared at his status screen in frustration.

  — Tch… What the hell? I thought I’d get stronger after leveling up! But I’m still so weak!

  His fists clenched in frustration. Was this all he could do?

  But then, from the side, the girl who had accompanied him to the forest was watching him silently.

  She saw his determination, his frustration, and his will to grow stronger.

  — Maybe… you will become a great hero someday, — she whispered, trying to encourage him.

  Hikari took a deep breath, trying to shake off his frustration.

  — I need to clear my mind.

  Hikari approached the Dryad to check on her progress.

  — How are things going? — he asked.

  The Dryad smiled softly.

  — Thanks to you, the forest is safe. I am grateful.

  At that moment, the village elder approached.

  — I, too, am grateful, Hikari. You have done a great service to our people.

  The elder explained that a merchant was arriving soon, bringing supplies for the bridge construction.

  — If you need anything, let us know. We’ll cover the cost.

  Hikari blinked in surprise.

  — Really? Then I need some equipment.

  The elder nodded.

  — It won’t be high quality, but it’s the least we can do to repay you.

  As they returned to the village, Hikari spotted the merchant arriving.

  The merchant looked around the village, his eyes widening in shock.

  — Your village… it’s changed so much. It feels… more alive.

  — Of course! We’re friends with the Dryad now, — Hikari said casually.

  The merchant froze.

  — What?! You’re allied with monsters?!

  His face twisted in fear and disgust.

  — I can’t do business with traitors! I’m leaving!

  Hikari watched in confusion as the merchant turned away.

  — What just happened?

  The village elder sighed heavily.

  — The Human Kingdom is at war with monsters.

  — Ah… Right, you mentioned that before.

  Hikari frowned, recalling the ancient war between humans and other races.

  Seeing the disappointment on Hikari’s face, the elder grinned mischievously.

  — Forget about that merchant. Instead, why not take some time off? I see you and Hinata have gotten close.

  — W-What?!

  — Why don’t you go spend the day with her?

  — I-It’s not like that!

  Hikari panicked and accidentally blurted out his thoughts aloud.

  — I-I mean, look at her! She’s so beautiful, I don’t stand a chance!

  The elder burst out laughing, and Hinata’s face turned red.

  She looked away shyly.

  The elder whispered into Hikari’s ear.

  — Don’t let this chance slip away, kid.

  Taking the elder’s advice, Hikari spent the entire day with Hinata.

  As the sun began to set, she led him to a scenic hilltop.

  The sky burned with hues of orange and pink, creating a breathtaking sight.

  — I’ve never kissed anyone before, — Hinata admitted softly.

  Hikari’s face turned crimson.

  — M-Me neither! — he yelled instinctively.

  Hinata giggled at his reaction.

  Then, without warning—

  She leaned in and kissed him.

  For a moment, time stood still.

  When she pulled away, her cheeks were flushed, but her eyes sparkled with warmth.

  — I love you, Hikari.

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  Hikari felt his heart race.

  Without hesitation, he smiled and answered.

  — I love you too.

  As they walked back to the village hand in hand, villagers noticed and cheered for them.

  Hikari had never felt happier.

  The next morning, Hikari woke up still smiling.

  He decided to pick some flowers for Hinata.

  Approaching the Dryad, he asked:

  — Can you help me find the best flowers?

  She smirked.

  — Of course.

  She gifted him a bouquet of rare, beautiful flowers with a sweet aroma.

  — These flowers will last a long time if properly cared for.

  Returning to the village, Hikari presented the bouquet to Hinata.

  Her face lit up with pure joy.

  — They’re beautiful!

  Her happiness was so radiant, it was like watching the sun shine.

  Overwhelmed with joy, she kissed him again and again.

  — I will cherish these flowers forever, — she whispered.

  — Hikari, let’s meet tomorrow.

  — Huh?

  — I have a gift for you. I’ll take you somewhere special.

  — Oh? Sounds interesting.

  Hinata leaned in and whispered into his ear.

  — I promise… you’ll love it.

  Her sultry tone sent shivers down his spine.

  Hikari gulped.

  — O-Okay…

  As night fell, he couldn't sleep.

  — What kind of gift? What kind of place? And… just the two of us?

  His thoughts spiraled into… questionable directions.

  — Wait… Is she… planning to…?

  His face turned bright red.

  — Hikari, are you okay? You feel hot, — the Soul asked.

  Hikari flinched.

  — W-Who?! Oh, right, it’s just you. I forgot about you.

  — Yeah, I noticed. That’s why I stayed quiet. I wanted you to enjoy your happiness.

  The Soul chuckled softly.

  Hikari smiled.

  — Thanks.

  He closed his eyes, eager for the next day.

  But then—

  A scream tore through the night.

  The smell of smoke filled the air.

  Hikari’s eyes shot open.

  — A fire?!

  He rushed outside—and froze in horror.

  The village was burning.

  Armored men in pitch-black armor were slaughtering villagers.

  Hikari’s breath caught in his throat.

  He could only whisper one name—

  — Hinata…

  Hikaru woke up to screams echoing outside.

  The smell of smoke filled the air.

  His heart pounded.

  — What’s going on?!

  Throwing on his clothes, he rushed outside—only to freeze in horror.

  The village was burning.

  Flames devoured the wooden houses, thick black smoke rising into the night sky.

  Villagers ran in terror, their cries mixing with the sound of clashing steel.

  Men in jet-black armor rode on horseback, their faces hidden beneath dark visors.

  They cut down anyone in their way.

  Hikaru’s breath caught in his throat.

  — No… this can’t be happening!

  He clenched his fists.

  — Soul Synchronization!

  A surge of power coursed through his veins as his stats merged with the Soul of the Universe.

  His vision sharpened, his muscles tensed.

  Then—

  A familiar voice rang out through the chaos.

  — HIKARU, RUN!!!

  His head snapped in the direction of the voice.

  HINATA.

  She stood at a distance, her eyes wide with fear.

  A black knight on horseback charged toward her, his sword raised.

  — NO! Hikaru screamed, running toward her with everything he had.

  But he was too late.

  The knight’s blade sliced through the air—then through her.

  Hinata’s body collapsed onto the ground.

  Her lips trembled as she whispered her final words:

  — I… love you…

  Hikaru froze.

  His entire world shattered in an instant.

  Something inside him snapped.

  A single emotion filled his soul—

  RAGE.

  His hands trembled.

  His breathing became ragged.

  His vision blurred with pure, unfiltered hatred.

  He gritted his teeth, voice shaking as he glared at the black knights.

  — I’LL KILL YOU.

  The knights turned toward him, their swords gleaming under the fire-lit sky.

  One of them—the tallest—stepped forward.

  His black armor was heavier than the rest, his presence suffocating.

  His voice echoed through the flames.

  — So, you’re still alive.

  Hikaru’s eyes burned with fury as he locked onto the man.

  — Who are you?!

  The knight placed his massive sword against his shoulder.

  — I am Lancelot. The 5th Knight of the Round Table.

  Hikaru’s breath hitched.

  The Round Table…?!

  Lancelot continued, his voice dripping with disdain.

  — Our mission was to eliminate this village, tainted by monsters. You were under the spell of that Dryad, weren’t you? She brainwashed you, just like the rest of them.

  Hikaru’s blood boiled.

  — Brainwashed?! YOU SLAUGHTERED INNOCENT PEOPLE!

  The knight scoffed.

  — Innocent? No, they were her pawns. If they were not, they would have resisted her control. We tried to free them… but it seems the only option left was to purge them.

  Hikaru’s knuckles turned white as he gripped his sword.

  — I swear… I will make you suffer.

  Lancelot chuckled.

  — Foolish child. You dare to challenge a knight of the Round Table? You’re nothing but an insect.

  Behind him, two more knights stepped forward.

  — Lancelot, let’s deal with this quickly. Even if she’s an S-rank, we shouldn’t take the Dryad lightly.

  At that moment—

  The ground rumbled.

  A powerful aura erupted from the earth.

  Vines and roots burst from the ground, wrapping around the burning houses, extinguishing some of the flames.

  A figure rose from the earth itself.

  The Dryad.

  Her green eyes burned with fury as she took in the sight of the ruined village.

  Her voice trembled with contained wrath.

  — You… humans… have you learned nothing?

  The knights immediately drew their swords.

  — There she is. Eliminate her.

  Hikaru stood frozen, his rage clashing with confusion.

  The Dryad turned her gaze to him.

  She could see it—the pure, seething hatred in his eyes.

  For a moment, she hesitated.

  Then she spoke softly.

  — Hikaru, do not become like them.

  Her words struck him like a blade.

  — You see the cruelty of men, but you have also seen their kindness. You have a choice. You can let this rage consume you and become a bringer of death… or you can be something more.

  Hikaru gritted his teeth.

  — They took everything from me.

  — Yes. But do not let them take you from yourself.

  Her gaze turned back to the knights.

  — These men… are not human. They are soldiers of war. You must understand that.

  Hikaru’s mind raced.

  Kill them. Kill them all.

  That was all he could think about.

  But…

  He remembered Hinata’s smile.

  Her warmth.

  Her love.

  His grip on his sword tightened.

  — I will kill these men. But… I will not become a monster.

  The Dryad’s eyes softened.

  — Then you are wiser than I expected.

  At that moment—

  Lancelot lunged at her.

  His massive sword pierced through her chest.

  Hikaru’s eyes widened in horror.

  — NO!

  Lancelot grinned.

  — That’s one monster down. Now, onto the next.

  But then—

  The Dryad smiled.

  Her lips barely moved as she whispered something.

  The ground beneath Hikaru collapsed.

  Before he could react, vines wrapped around his body, pulling him into the depths of the earth.

  The last thing he saw was Lancelot’s cold, merciless gaze.

  And the Dryad’s voice—

  — Live. Find your strength. Change this world.

  Then—

  Darkness.

  Hikaru opened his eyes.

  He was… alive.

  The underground chamber was lit with faint glowing runes.

  As he looked around, his eyes landed on a message etched into the bark of an ancient tree.

  It was written in an old, forgotten language.

  But…

  He could read it.

  His eyes widened in shock.

  — This is… English?!

  The message read:

  "This boy is my dear friend. Humans have taken everything from him. They have taken me. They will destroy my forest. Save him, my old friend. Perhaps he will save us all. He reminds me of the Great King of old. He has a chance to change this world."

  Hikaru’s fists clenched.

  — The Great King…? Could he have been from my world?

  He shook his head.

  That didn’t matter now.

  There was only one thing on his mind.

  Revenge.

  He took a deep breath, his voice trembling with cold determination.

  — Lancelot… I swear on my very soul… I will kill you.

  The ground rumbled.

  Something massive approached.

  The sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the cavern.

  A powerful presence filled the space.

  Then, a deep voice boomed—

  — So, this is the boy Dryad entrusted to me.

  A towering figure emerged from the shadows.

  A massive being, twice the size of a normal human.

  His stone-like skin glowed faintly in the dim light.

  The air around him was thick with ancient power.

  — Welcome to my domain, child. I am Gurr, King of the Mountains.

  Hikaru gritted his teeth, his heart still heavy with grief and rage.

  But this was no time to fall apart.

  He had just entered a new battlefield.

  And he would do whatever it takes to become stronger.