But before any of that…
Aiden Valen still had one final challenge.
Leaving the Forbidden Forest.
He looked at the endless river flowing before him.
For nearly two months, it had been his guide.
It gave him water when he was thirsty.
Food when he was starving.
A direction when he had none.
Without realizing it, the river had become his only companion.
Aiden adjusted the worn leather bag hanging over his shoulder.
Most of his belongings were stored inside his Space Storage now.
Monster cores.
Monster hides.
Sharp fangs.
Medicinal herbs.
Materials he had collected through countless battles.
Although he had no idea how valuable they were, he kept everything.
The forest had taught him never to waste anything.
With one final glance at the river, he continued walking.
The following days were surprisingly peaceful.
Not because there were no monsters.
But because Aiden had become much stronger.
Whenever a monster entered his Analysis Eye’s range, information appeared automatically.
**Target Detected**
Name: Thorn Bear
Level: 22
Monster Rank: C
Status: Hostile
Aiden quietly stepped behind a tree.
That was another lesson the forest had taught him.
The strongest survivor was not always the strongest fighter.
It was the one who understood the battlefield.
When the Thorn Bear lowered its head to drink from the river…
Aiden moved.
His sword flashed.
The monster roared in pain.
The battle lasted only a few minutes.
After defeating it, Aiden collected its core and claws before storing them inside his Space Storage.
His status appeared briefly.
**Experience Gained**
**Level Increased**
Aiden smiled faintly.
Every battle still made him stronger.
But compared to before, his growth had slowed.
He accepted that.
Real strength was not gained overnight.
Days continued to pass.
The dense trees slowly became thinner.
Sunlight reached the ground more often.
The air no longer carried the heavy pressure that covered the heart of the Forbidden Forest.
Even the monsters changed.
The terrifying creatures that once ruled these woods became fewer.
Instead, weaker monsters wandered near the outskirts.
Aiden understood what that meant.
“I’m getting close.”
For the first time in months…
Hope filled his heart.
On the tenth day…
He climbed a rocky hill to get a better view.
The endless sea of trees finally had an end.
Far ahead…
He could see open grasslands stretching toward the horizon.
Aiden stared silently.
After everything…
After the fear…
After the pain…
After countless battles…
He had finally reached the edge.
He slowly walked down the hill.
Every step felt lighter than the last.
The forest behind him seemed quieter.
Almost as if it was watching him leave.
He looked back one final time.
“I survived.”
Not because someone saved him.
Not because luck favored him.
He survived because he refused to give up.
His fingers unconsciously touched the scar on his left hand.
The bite mark from the monster that awakened Nothingness was still there.
A reminder of where everything began.
Aiden took a deep breath.
Then…
He crossed the final line of trees.
Warm sunlight fell across his face.
A gentle breeze swept across the open plains before him.
For the first time since being summoned into this world…
There were no towering trees surrounding him.
The Forbidden Forest was finally behind him.
Aiden Valen had escaped the place that everyone believed was impossible to leave alive.
Without looking back again…
He took his first step into the vast world beyond.