The blue system screen hovered in front of Kael, its text glowing faintly.

  

  [Main Quest Updated!]

  > - Title: GET STRONGER (No longer a daily quest)

  > - Objective: Begin your journey of growth.

  > - Rewards: ???

  Kael's eyebrow twitched.

  "Wait, wait. This isn't just a daily quest anymore? It's a main quest now?!"

  That meant this wasn't some minor grind for easy rewards.

  This was a core objective.

  He had to get stronger.

  Or else.

  ---

  Just as he processed that, another screen popped up.

  A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

  [Skill Retained!]

  [Basic Sword & Shield Technique (Lv. 4)]

  - A foundational combat style utilizing both offense and defense. Includes fundamental attacks, blocks, parries, and footwork.

  Kael’s eyes widened.

  "No way… I actually kept a skill from the tutorial?"

  Considering how restrictive that place was, he assumed everything would be wiped.

  But this?

  This was a huge advantage.

  Kael clenched his fists, feeling a familiar confidence return.

  If he had retained a skill, then he wasn’t starting at absolute zero.

  He needed to test it out.

  There was a small clearing behind the house, often used for chopping wood.

  Grabbing a wooden practice sword from inside, he stepped outside.

  The moment he gripped the handle, a faint muscle memory kicked in.

  His stance adjusted naturally.

  His feet positioned correctly.

  It felt familiar.

  "Hell yeah, this is still in my muscle memory!"

  Taking a deep breath, he started going through the motions:

  - Basic strikes → Smooth.

  - Shield raises → Solid.

  - Parry attempts → Rusty, but passable.

  - Footwork → Unsteady at first, but he quickly adjusted.

  His body was weaker than in the tutorial, but the technique was still there.

  And as he practiced—

  [Basic Sword & Shield Technique has gained experience!]

  A grin spread across his face.

  "So even now, I can grind skill levels?"

  His gamer instincts ignited.

  ---

  Kael knew he needed to level up this skill and get physically stronger.

  The question was how.

  Since his family were hunters, there were bound to be training methods or sparring opportunities.

  He needed to blend in while also getting ahead.

  "If this world works like a game, then I just need to optimize my build."

  Just then—

  A new notification popped up.

  

  [New Sub-Quest Unlocked!]

  > - Title: Learn the Ways of the Hunt

  > - Objective: Train with your father and learn basic survival skills.

  > - Rewards: Skill Unlock – [Hunting Instinct (Passive)]

  Kael's grin widened.

  "Alright then... Let's start the grind."

  [End of Chapter]