Stonefang Ravine was vastly different from Greenwood Expanse.
The peaceful grasslands had disappeared, replaced by jagged cliffs, rocky trails, and dense patches of shrubs where monsters lurked unseen.
Every distant growl reminded adventurers that this was no longer a beginner's playground.
Aster tightened his grip around his wooden sword.
A system notification appeared before him.
Stonefang Ravine
Recommended Level: 5–10
Current Player Level: 4
Danger Assessment: Moderate
Unlike yesterday, he was alone.
No one would split his experience.
No one would cover his mistakes.
But that was exactly what he wanted.
The Primal Codex rewarded understanding.
Understanding came fastest through one's own battles.
As he ventured deeper into the ravine, movement caught his attention.
A gray wolf emerged from behind a massive boulder.
Its body was nearly twice the size of the Moss Wolves from Greenwood Expanse.
Sharp stone-like spikes protruded along its back.
Golden eyes fixed onto Aster.
Stonefang Wolf
Level 5
Aster smiled.
"Perfect."
Immediately, another notification appeared.
Challenge Bonus Activated
Defeating monsters of a higher level grants additional experience.
Current Bonus:
+50% Experience
Conditions:
• Monster Level exceeds Player Level.
• Bonus scales according to level difference.
"So that's how experienced players level so quickly..."
Risk and reward.
Stronger monsters meant greater danger...
But also greater gains.
The wolf lunged.
Its claws tore through the air.
Aster didn't retreat.
Instead—
His feet moved.
"Twin Flash Step."
His body burst diagonally forward.
The wolf's claws sliced through empty air.
Slash!
The first strike cut across its shoulder.
The beast instinctively twisted toward him.
Exactly as the technique intended.
Before the monster could react—
Second Slash!
His wooden sword struck its neck.
The wolf staggered.
Aster immediately followed with several ordinary attacks, using the stable breathing rhythm of Iron Body Foundation to maintain perfect balance.
The wolf let out one final howl.
Then dissolved into countless particles of light.
Stonefang Wolf Defeated
Base EXP: 80
Challenge Bonus: +40
Total EXP Gained:
120 EXP
Aster stared at the notification.
"...One hundred twenty."
His eyes widened.
That was six times more experience than defeating a Horned Rabbit in a party.
"So hunting alone really is faster..."
Of course...
It was also far more dangerous.
One mistake against a stronger monster could easily send him back to Mistvale.
A soft glow appeared where the wolf had disappeared.
A small leather pouch materialized on the ground.
Aster picked it up.
Item Obtained
Worn Wolf Gloves
Rank: Common
"So monsters drop equipment too."
It wasn't remarkable.
Still...
It was better than beginner gear.
He stored it inside his inventory before searching for his next target.
Hours quietly passed.
The sun climbed overhead before slowly beginning its descent.
Stonefang Wolves.
Razor Boars.
More Stonefang Wolves.
Aster deliberately fought only one monster at a time.
He never became greedy.
He observed attack patterns.
Measured distances.
Perfected his footwork.
Each battle further refined Twin Flash Step.
Although the skill had already become permanent...
Mastery itself continued growing.
From Beginner...
Toward true proficiency.
Every battle became another lesson.
Six hours slipped by unnoticed.
His clothes were stained with dust.
Small scratches covered his beginner armor.
His wooden sword had become chipped from countless clashes.
Yet his movements had become noticeably smoother.
Just as he defeated another Razor Boar—
A brilliant blue beam rose from the ground.
"...Hm?"
Aster approached.
Instead of ordinary white light...
This item radiated a faint green glow.
The system chimed.
Equipment Drop
Windrunner Boots
Rank: Uncommon
Effects:
+5 Agility
+3% Movement Speed
Aster's eyes brightened.
"An Uncommon equipment!"
His very first one.
Without hesitation, he equipped the boots.
A gentle breeze seemed to wrap around his legs.
He experimentally took a few steps.
"...They're lighter."
The difference wasn't dramatic.
But together with Twin Flash Step, every movement felt more fluid.
His acceleration became slightly sharper.
His balance improved even further.
He smiled in satisfaction.
"Looks like luck is finally on my side."
No sooner had he spoken than another familiar notification appeared.
Golden light enveloped his body.
Level Up!
Level 4 → Level 5
Warm energy surged through every muscle.
His fatigue disappeared.
His body felt stronger.
Faster.
More responsive.
Aster opened his status panel.
Character Status
Name: Aster
Race: Human
Class: Novice
Level: 5
Health: 180 / 180
Mana: 90 / 90
Attributes
Strength: 13
Agility: 13 (+5 from Windrunner Boots)*
Vitality: 15
Intelligence: 9
Spirit: 9
Permanent Skills
Iron Body Foundation (Uncommon)
Twin Flash Step (Uncommon)
Primal Codex
Chapter I — The First Truth
Recorded Skills: 2 / 20
Before Aster could close the panel, every notification window suddenly disappeared.
The sky above Stonefang Ravine shimmered.
A deep bell echoed across the entire world of Divine Nexus.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
A golden message stretched across his vision.
Congratulations, Adventurer.
You have reached Level 5.
Class Advancement is now available.
Please return to your registered Novice Village to receive your first Class Selection.
Aster quietly stared at the announcement.
His first major milestone had finally arrived.
For ordinary players...
This was the moment they chose the path that would define their future.
But for him...
An anomaly blessed by the Primal Codex...
What awaited beyond Level 5 was something even he could not predict.