Kael's days in Elara's hidden chamber transformed into a relentless cycle of
experimentation and discovery. The System, far from being a passive interface, proved
to be an interactive tutor, responding to his thoughts and guiding his exploration. He
approached it with the same pragmatic cunning he applied to navigating the
treacherous streets of Veridia, seeking out every advantage, every hidden loophole.
His first priority was to understand the core mechanics. The [Status] panel was his
anchor, providing a constant overview of his progress. He noticed that certain actions,
even mundane ones, triggered subtle notifications. Walking, for instance, slowly
increased his [Movement] proficiency. Observing objects or people added to his
[Perception] skill. It was as if the System was constantly learning from him, and in
turn, teaching him about himself.
He focused on the [Skills] tab, a vast, interconnected web of potential. He had a
single Skill Point remaining from his first quest. He hovered over various options, the
System providing detailed descriptions and prerequisites. [Stealth (Novice)]
caught his eye. It promised enhanced movement without detection, improved hiding
capabilities, and a bonus to pickpocketing attempts. It resonated with his natural
inclinations, his life as an alley rat.
[Skill: Stealth (Novice)] [Description: Enhances ability to move
silently and remain unseen. Improves effectiveness of hiding and
reduces detection radius.] [Prerequisites: Agility (Minor Boost)]
[Cost: 1 Skill Point]
He allocated the point without hesitation. A familiar shimmer, a subtle internal shift, and
then:
[Skill: Stealth (Novice) acquired!] [New Ability: Silent Step
(Passive)] [New Ability: Shadow Blend (Active)]
He immediately tested Silent Step . He walked across the stone floor, trying to be as
quiet as possible. Before, even his careful movements would produce a faint scuff. Now,
there was nothing. His footsteps were absorbed, his presence muted. It was uncanny.
Shadow Blend was even more impressive. When he activated it, he felt a strange
distortion around him, as if the light itself bent to accommodate his form. He moved into
a dimly lit corner, and Elara, who had been observing him with a bemused expression,
blinked. "You almost vanished, Kael," she said, her voice tinged with surprise. "A
useful trick."
He also discovered the [Quests] tab wasn't just for grand adventures. The System
generated minor, localized quests based on his current environment and skills. These
were often simple tasks: [Gather 5 rare herbs from the Labyrinth] or
[Observe 3 unique magical signatures] . Completing them granted small
amounts of experience, which contributed to his overall [Level] , and occasionally,
minor attribute boosts or small amounts of [System Currency] .
[System Currency] was another revelation. It was an ethereal form of exchange,
visible only through the System interface. He could use it to purchase basic items,
information, or even unlock certain low-level skills directly from the System's [Shop]
tab, which appeared after he completed a few minor quests.
The [Shop] was rudimentary, offering basic healing potions, simple tools, and generic
skill books. It was clear the System was designed for self-sufficiency, encouraging him to
earn his progress rather than simply buying it. Still, the potential was immense. He
could, theoretically, acquire anything, given enough System Currency and a high enough
level.
Kael also began to understand the concept of [Proficiency] beyond just skills. Every
action he performed, every thought he had, seemed to contribute to some hidden
metric. His repeated use of [Observe] on various objects and environments slowly
increased his [Perception] attribute. His constant movement improved his
[Endurance] . The System was a constant, invisible trainer, pushing him to refine his
natural abilities.
He spent hours in the chamber, practicing his Stealth , moving like a ghost, his
movements becoming smoother, more efficient. He used [Observe] on Elara's
various artifacts, learning about their magical properties, their origins, and their
potential uses. He even managed to [Interact] with a few, carefully manipulating
them to understand their mechanisms.
Elara, though she rarely interfered, would occasionally offer a piece of advice, a subtle
hint that aligned perfectly with the System's objectives. "The shadows are your allies,
Kael," she'd said one afternoon, watching him practice Shadow Blend . "But true
mastery comes from understanding the light." It was a cryptic remark, but Kael found
himself pondering it, realizing that the System, in its own way, was also teaching him
about the nuances of his world.
He was no longer just an alley rat. He was a student, a practitioner, a nascent power in
the making. The System was his playground, and he was determined to explore every
corner of it, to master every game it offered. He was weak, yes, but the gap between his
current state and his potential was shrinking with every passing moment. And with every
new skill, every new piece of knowledge, Kael felt a growing confidence, a dangerous
ambition that promised to reshape not just his life, but perhaps, the very fabric of Veridia
itself.