Chapter 2

That day, when I woke up on the bed in the cheap inn, something strange appeared before my eyes.

"What is this...? Am I still dreaming?"

A semi-transparent screen displayed some numbers and my name. I got up and looked at it from the side, but it was floating in mid-air, not hanging from anything.

I observed it for a while, but it didn’t seem to be disappearing on its own, so I reluctantly decided to touch it.

"It feels kind of strange..."

It wasn’t hot or cold, but there was definitely a reaction when I touched it. I decided to check the content written on the screen again.

Name: Tim

Age: 16

Occupation: Apprentice Adventurer Level 20

Strength: 25

Agility: 30

Health: 17

Magic: 5

Spirit: 8

Dexterity: 18

Luck: -20

Status Points: 110

Skill Points: 40

Unique Skills Acquired: Status Manipulation

Skills Acquired: Swordsmanship Level 1

"What is this?"

"Apprentice Adventurer" clearly represents my current position, but I had never seen the other numbers before.

"Could this be showing my strength in numbers?"

The unique skill section lists "Status Manipulation." If what I’m seeing is indeed my "status," then perhaps it appeared because I acquired a unique skill for some reason.

Next to each item, there is a "+" sign. Next to the occupation, there is a "▽" sign, so I decided to touch it.

"Selected Occupation"……"Acquirable Skills"

▷ "Apprentice Adventurer"……"Increased Experience Gain" "Increased Skill Points" "Increased Status Points"

• "Warrior"……"Bash" "Parry" "First Aid" "Taunt"

• "Scout"……"Dagger Mastery" "Trap Detection" "Trap Disarming" "Disassembly" "Backstep"

• "Mage"……"Staff Mastery" "Fire Arrow" "Ice Arrow" "Wind Arrow" "Lock Shot" "Meditation"

• "Cleric"……"Mace Mastery" "Healing" "Cure" "Blessing" "Light"

• "Rogue"……"Sleep" "Cold Joke" "Impersonation" "Eat" "Deep Sleep"

• "Merchant"……"Item Appraisal" "Weapon Repair" "Armor Repair"

"It seems like I can choose something..."

I decided to select Warrior first.

Name: Tim

Age: 16

Occupation: Warrior Level 1

Strength: 25 + 2

Agility: 30

Health: 17 + 2

Magic: 5

Spirit: 8

Dexterity: 18

Luck: -20

Status Points: 110

Skill Points: 40

Unique Skills Acquired: Status Manipulation

Skills Acquired: Swordsmanship Level 1

The occupation changed to "Warrior," and "+2" appeared next to "Strength" and "Health."

"Did this happen because I changed my occupation?"

I felt a slight surge of strength.

"I don’t know what to do, so let’s calm down. Next, I need to figure out these [Status Points] and [Skill Points]."

Since I have no information, I need to act cautiously.

"The 'Acquirable Skills' listed next to each occupation are somewhat familiar."

For example, the Warrior's "Bash," the Mage's "Fire Arrow," the Cleric's "Healing" and "Blessing."

When I first became an adventurer, I formed a party with others, and they used these skills. "Bash" is a powerful sweeping attack on monsters, "Fire Arrow" is a magical fire arrow that injures enemies, "Healing" restores wounds, and "Blessing" temporarily enhances physical abilities.

All of these skills are essential for adventuring.

"Since these are 'Acquirable Skills,' it means I can get them, right?"

It’s a suspicious situation, but I gradually became engrossed in this screen—my "Status Screen."

I started to believe it might be real.

"My current equipment is a short sword, so I can try out the Warrior’s skills..."

I touched the word "Bash." A "☆☆☆☆☆" appeared, and the next moment it became "★☆☆☆☆."

My skill points decreased from "40" to "39," and "Bash Level 1" was added to my "Acquired Skills."

I got out of bed and picked up my sword. The room was small (two silver coins per night, with a discount for three nights, totaling five silver coins), so I had to find a spot where I wouldn’t hit the wall when swinging the sword.

"Bash!"

The next moment, I performed a movement I couldn’t do before.

"Did... I do it?"

I was surprised by the sharp slash that came from my arm. If I can use this skill, goblins will be no match for me.

I felt elated, remembering how my peers were excited when they learned new skills during training.

"Finally... I can start on the same footing as everyone else?"

Until now, I couldn’t use any skills, which led to being kicked out of the party and earning a living alone. With these skills, I can consistently hunt goblins. Imagining a better life, I smiled, but...

"Ah! I might be getting ahead of myself. I need to test if this isn’t just a fluke!"

Normally, I would rest the day after hunting, but I couldn’t sit still. I decided to cut short the verification of my unique skill and head out of town.