The village gates came back into view as I jogged along the beaten dirt path, Quickstep flickering ready in the corner of my HUD.
I resisted the urge to activate it just to show off.
The last thing I needed was attention right now.
But judging by the way players were already glancing at me — whispering, pointing — it was too late for that.
The SYSTEM announcement naming me had done more damage than any flashy skill ever could.
I kept my head down and headed straight for the cluster of shops near the village center.
Wooden stalls lined the cobbled plaza, NPC vendors hawking everything from rusty daggers to threadbare cloaks.
Most players clustered around the basic quest board, grabbing fetch quests and monster-slaying contracts like candy.
I ignored them, slipping into the battered old smithy tucked behind the main road.
The blacksmith — a burly NPC with soot-streaked arms and a gruff voice — looked up as I entered.
"Need gear, do ya? Just starting out?"
I nodded.
"I need something durable. And sharp."
The blacksmith grunted and waved toward a rack of battered weapons and armor.
[Shop Inventory – Dawnlight Smithy]
Reinforced Leather Tunic (Common) – 12 Silver
Sharpened Iron Shortsword (Common) – 15 Silver
Heavy Wooden Shield (Common) – 10 Silver
Traveler's Cloak (Common) – 8 Silver
I had 20 Silver from the Trial reward, plus about 5 more from starter bonuses.
Enough for two decent upgrades.
I selected the Reinforced Leather Tunic and the Sharpened Iron Shortsword, feeling the slight weight of them settle into my inventory.
[Purchased: Reinforced Leather Tunic.]
[Purchased: Sharpened Iron Shortsword.]
[Gold Remaining: 3 Silver.]
Outside, I quickly equipped my new gear.
Reinforced Leather Tunic: +15 Defense (vs. +5 from starter tunic)
Sharpened Iron Shortsword: +10 Attack (vs. +5 from starter shortsword)
I flexed my fingers, feeling the improved balance of the new blade.
Not flashy. Not special.
But right now?
It was enough.
As I stepped back into the plaza, a new SYSTEM message blinked across my vision:
[Village Board Unlocked!]
Access to Player Trading Stalls, Quest Postings, Early Guild Notices (Available at Level 10+). New features will unlock as the village evolves.
I filed the information away.
For now, it was just a small wooden kiosk in the corner of the square — a promise of the player-driven economy to come.
Later, it would become the beating heart of the world's guild wars, market monopolies, and land conquests.
Later.
Not yet.
A group of players near the fountain caught my eye — laughing, chatting, forming loose parties.
Already, the smart ones were banding together.
Early dungeons weren't designed for solo runs. Even Normal Difficulty expected a party of five.
And if you wanted to survive Hard or Nightmare Modes later…
Well.
Even I couldn't solo those.
Not yet.
"Hey! You there!"
I turned slightly.
A player jogged up to me — a tall guy in generic starting gear, grinning wide.
His username floated over his head in faint blue letters: Rayne.
"You're Damien Cross, right? The guy who cleared the First Step quest?"
His voice wasn't hostile — just curious, maybe a little impressed.
I kept my tone light.
"Depends who's asking."
He laughed.
"Relax. I'm not here to pick a fight. Just thought it was cool, y'know? Big props, man. We're all still killing rabbits and you're already making SYSTEM announcements."
A few other players nearby looked over, whispering.
I shrugged.
"Got lucky."
It was a lie — and we both knew it — but it was the kind of lie that made life easier.
Rayne grinned again.
"Well, if you're looking for a party later, hit me up. My guild's gonna be starting soon. Nothing fancy yet, but... who knows?"
He gave a casual salute and wandered back toward his friends.
I exhaled slowly.
That was the first ripple.
Small, almost invisible — but it would grow.
Reputation mattered here.
Allegiances mattered.
Who you grouped with now could decide who ruled the future later.
I'll build my own, I thought, watching the crowds.
But not yet.
First, I needed strength.
I opened my quest log and selected my next target:
[Dungeon Discovered: Hollowshade Cavern – Level 5 Dungeon (Normal Mode)]
Location: Two miles west of Dawnlight Fields. Recommended Party Size: 3-5 Players. Special Notice: First Clear Bonus Available.
My eyes narrowed.
That bonus would draw players like moths to a flame.
Guild recruiters.
Solo challengers.
Maybe even early predators looking for easy kills.
I wasn't ready to take it on alone — not yet — but if I moved fast, maybe I could find the right allies before the competition caught up.
Or maybe...
I'd just move smarter.
The sun dipped lower over the fields, casting long shadows across the bustling plaza.
The race had already begun.
Most players didn't know it yet.
But I did.
And I had no intention of losing.