Soulbound Odyssey: From Zero to Hero

The Adventurer's Guild buzzed with activity as Ryan and Mia returned from their mission. Players and NPCs crowded around the quest board, their voices blending into a low hum of excitement and frustration. Ryan couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he walked in with Mia. He had survived his first real challenge, and it felt good.

Mia glanced at him, her expression as unreadable as ever. "You did fine," she said, almost as an afterthought. "Better than most rookies, anyway."

Ryan smirked. "Is that your way of saying I earned a drink?"

She raised an eyebrow. "Maybe. But you'll have to earn more than that if you want to survive here."

Before Ryan could respond, a familiar voice cut through the din. "Well, if it isn't the new guy."

Ryan turned to see a tall, broad-shouldered warrior approaching. His armor was dented and scratched, but his cocky grin was as polished as the massive sword strapped to his back. A nameplate hovered above his head: Max (Level 8).

"You must be Ryan," Max said, clapping him on the shoulder with enough force to make him stumble. "Heard you survived your first quest. Not bad for a greenhorn."

"Thanks," Ryan said, trying to steady himself. "And you are?"

"Max," the warrior said, puffing out his chest. "Best damn fighter in Briarwood."

Mia snorted. "Self-proclaimed, maybe."

Max shot her a playful glare. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, Mia."

"Neither does arrogance," she shot back. Turning to Ryan, she added, "Watch out for this one. He's trouble."

Ryan couldn't help but grin. "Noted."

Max chuckled, crossing his arms. "Tell you what, rookie. If you're serious about making it here, why don't you prove yourself?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Prove myself how?"

Max pointed to the sparring ring in the corner of the guild hall, where a few players were practicing their skills. "A duel. You and me."

Mia rolled her eyes. "Really, Max? He just got back."

"What better way to learn than by fighting someone stronger?" Max said with a shrug. He turned back to Ryan. "Unless you're scared."

Ryan's grip tightened on his sword. He knew it was a bad idea—Max was clearly more experienced—but his pride wouldn't let him back down. "Alright," he said. "Let's do it."

The sparring ring was a simple dirt circle marked off by wooden posts. A crowd quickly gathered as word spread of the duel. Players and NPCs alike watched with interest, some placing bets on the outcome.

Max stepped into the ring, cracking his knuckles. "Rules are simple," he said. "First to land three hits wins. No skills, just raw technique."

Ryan nodded, stepping into the ring and gripping his sword tightly. His heart pounded in his chest as he faced off against Max. The warrior's confidence was unnerving, but Ryan reminded himself that he had survived worse.

Livia's voice rang out over the crowd. "Ready? Fight!"

Max moved first, charging forward with surprising speed for someone his size. Ryan barely managed to raise his sword in time to block, the force of the blow rattling his arms. He stumbled back, his feet sliding in the dirt.

"Come on, rookie!" Max taunted, circling him. "You've got to do better than that."

Ryan gritted his teeth, focusing on Max's movements. When the warrior lunged again, Ryan sidestepped and swung his sword in a quick arc. The blade grazed Max's shoulder, drawing first blood.

+1 Point: Ryan

The crowd cheered, and Max grinned. "Not bad," he said, rolling his shoulder. "But don't get cocky."

He came at Ryan again, this time feinting left before striking from the right. Ryan tried to block, but Max's sword slipped past his guard, tapping him on the side.

+1 Point: Max

Ryan cursed under his breath, resetting his stance. The next exchange was faster, more intense. Max's strikes were powerful, but Ryan's agility allowed him to dodge and counter. He landed another hit, but Max quickly evened the score.

+2 Points: Max +2 Points: Ryan

The final exchange was brutal. Max pressed the attack, his sword swinging in heavy arcs that forced Ryan to retreat. Sweat dripped down Ryan's face as he parried each strike, his arms aching from the effort. Finally, Max overextended, and Ryan saw his opening. He ducked under the swing and drove the hilt of his sword into Max's chest.

+3 Points: Ryan

The crowd erupted in cheers as Max stumbled back, laughing. "Well, I'll be damned," he said, clapping Ryan on the back. "You've got some fight in you after all."

Ryan grinned, his chest heaving. "Thanks."

Mia leaned against the edge of the ring, her arms crossed. "Not bad, rookie. Maybe you'll survive longer than I thought."

Livia approached, a faint smile on her lips. "Congratulations, Ryan. You've earned your place here. But don't let it go to your head. You've still got a long way to go."

Max motioned to the crowd as they began to disperse, but before they could fully leave, another player, cloaked in dark robes and with a sinister dagger at their side, stepped forward from the shadows of the guild hall. "Impressive," the figure said, their voice smooth yet laced with something unsettling. "But raw skill won't be enough where you're headed."

Ryan turned, confused. "Who are you?"

The figure smirked, their eyes glinting in the dim light. "Someone who knows more about this game than you ever will. If you're ready to really survive, meet me outside the village gate. Midnight. Alone."

With that, the figure disappeared into the crowd, leaving Ryan with more questions than answers.