Chapter 5: Measuring ProgressPart 1: A Warrior’s StatusArata leaned against a tree, gripping his newly acquired sword. His body ached from the fight, but his excitement overshadowed the pain.

  He had just killed his first intelligent enemy.

  He had a real weapon now.

  But how much had he actually improved?

  “Status window,” he muttered.

  A translucent screen appeared before him.

  [Status Window]

  Name: ArataLevel: 3 → 4EXP: 5/50HP: 30/40Strength: 8 → 11Agility: 7 → 10Endurance: 7 → 9Skills: [Borrow (Lv.1)]

  His eyes widened.

  "I leveled up again!"

  His stats had noticeably improved, and his strength stat had even crossed into double digits. That expined why the st few fights had felt a little easier.

  But one thing bothered him—his skill.

  [Borrow (Lv.1)]

  Still no change.

  His only unique ability hadn’t improved at all.

  He frowned. “I really need to test this thing soon…”

  For now, though, he had bigger concerns. His HP was down by ten points, and he had no idea how to recover it quickly.

  “I need to find a vilge or a safe pce to rest.”

  With that thought, he pushed himself off the tree and started walking again.

  Stronger than before.

  Armed for the first time.

  And ready to face whatever came next.