A dense forest stretched endlessly in every direction. Towering trees blocked most of the sunlight, leaving only faint rays piercing the thick canopy. The air was heavy, damp, and completely unfamiliar.
Grey slowly turned, scanning the surroundings.
"Where are we…? Any idea, Mitsuki?"
Mitsuki stood a few steps away, looking equally lost.
"No…" she said softly, then hesitated. "Actually… I was thinking about something else."
Grey frowned. "What?"
She met his eyes directly.
"What should I call you?"
Grey sighed. "That again… Just call me Ishikawa, like always."
Before she could reply, a cold, distant voice echoed inside his mind.
"I forgot to tell you something."
Grey stiffened. "…What?"
"Since you are special, you can obtain multiple classes."
His brows furrowed. "Multiple classes…?"
"Mastering them will not be easy. You will have to work for every one of them — just like any regular person."
His expression hardened. "…Then what makes me special?"
The voice ignored the question and continued.
"You can check your progress through your status. Additional layers may appear over time."
Grey clenched his fist. "Wait — what do you mean by—"
"You may contact me through churches."
"Hey— listen—!"
The voice vanished without another word.
Silence pressed back in.
Mitsuki watched him carefully. "What happened?"
Grey looked away. "…Nothing. The goddess mentioned something about classes."
She didn't look convinced, but she didn't press him.
Grey turned. "Anyway… let's go our own ways. Thanks for everything, Mitsuki."
Her expression shifted instantly. "What? No — I'm coming with you."
Grey glanced back. "Why?"
She crossed her arms. "Because you can't even use magic properly. You only have basic fire magic, right?"
Grey paused, then exhaled. "…You have a point."
"For now, let's just survive. We'll build a shelter here."
Mitsuki nodded. "I'll prepare a place to sleep."
Grey headed into the forest. "I'll gather firewood and look for food."
One Hour Later
Grey dropped a heavy bundle of branches at the camp. His arms ached and his shirt clung to his skin from the humidity.
"This should be enough…"
He took a shaky breath.
A translucent screen appeared.
Grey Crimson
Age: 16
Level: 1
Class: Hero (0+)
HP: 1000/1000
MP: 1000/1000
Magic: Fire (Basic)
Strength: B
Title: None
Special Abilities: Item Box, Appraisal, Search
Grey stared at it for a long moment.
"…So this is real."
He clenched his fist. "Alright… food first."
A faint instinct tugged him left. He moved carefully until he spotted a small creature.
Horn Rabbit – Rank D
"Perfect."
He raised his hand.
The flame shot forward — and missed completely. The rabbit dodged with terrifying speed.
Grey narrowed his eyes, breathing harder. "Fast…"
He focused again.
The attack struck, but the rabbit only staggered.
His arms were already trembling. "You're tougher than you look…"
Breathing heavy, he pushed through the growing fatigue.
Three flaming spears slammed into the rabbit. It finally collapsed.
Grey gasped, sweat dripping down his face.
"…Haaah… Why am I this tired already?"
MP: 50/1000
"So that's the real cost…"
He slowly picked up the rabbit, legs feeling heavier than they should.
"…Still. I got it."
After hunting a few more, a voice echoed in his mind.
Level Up.
Grey allowed himself a small, tired smirk. "Finally…"
Grey Crimson
Level: 3
Class: Hero (2+)
HP: 1100/1100
MP: 1500/1500
Magic: Fire (Intermediate)
Classes: Hero (Basic), Monster Slayer (Basic)
Title: Rabbit Killer
"Now let's head back."
Back at the Shelter
Grey looked around. "Mitsuki?"
"Look up, Ishikawa."
He tilted his head. Mitsuki was sitting comfortably on a simple tree platform.
"…You actually made that?"
"Yeah. What about the firewood and food ?"
Grey opened his storage.
Wood and several rabbits dropped onto the ground.
Mitsuki blinked. "That's… a lot. But how are we supposed to cook without spices?"
Grey paused. "…Didn't think about that."
She sighed softly. "As expected." Then she smiled faintly. "I found rock salt and herbs using my magic. Check them."
Grey climbed up.
He nodded. "They're edible."
He paused, studying her. "Wait… you used magic?"
Mitsuki nodded. "Yeah… I think I gained it by interacting with the elements. I also fought a few monsters, so my wind magic leveled up."
Grey thought for a moment, then raised his hand and created a small
"Try controlling it."
Mitsuki focused. The flame flickered, then steadied under her will.
Grey's eyes widened slightly. "You have fire magic too…"
Mitsuki quickly opened her status.
Mitsuki
Level: 5
Class: Mage
HP: 1500/1500
MP: 2500/2500
Magic: Wind (Intermediate), Fire (Basic), Earth (Basic)
Grey nodded slowly. "Magic is easy to obtain… mastering it is the real challenge."
He stretched his tired body. "Let's eat. It's getting late."
"Yeah."
Night
After the meal, an awkward silence settled.
Grey glanced at the single bed. "By the way… why is there only one bed?"
Mitsuki looked away. "…You noticed."
Grey sighed. "One of us stays awake. The other sleeps."
Mitsuki muttered under her breath, "…Idiot."
Next Morning
"Ishikawa, wake up."
Grey opened his eyes. "What happened? Monsters?"
"No. Come with me."
They moved to a clearer spot with fewer trees. Mitsuki raised her hand.
The ground rose, lifting Grey upward.
"Look to your right."
Grey froze. "…Is that a city?"
"Looks like it."
Grey sighed. "Bring me down."
Mitsuki scratched her head. "I'm low on MP… earth magic drains a lot."
Grey paused. "…Then I'll jump. Use wind to slow my fall."
"Got it."
He jumped.
A powerful gust slammed into him — flinging him straight into a tree.
"Ow…!"
"I'm sorry! Are you okay?!"
"Yeah… I'm fine. But why Tornado…?"
A sharp voice cut through the air.
"So it was you two…"
Grey turned. "…Tonaka?"
Without hesitation —
Grey barely dodged.
Mitsuki stepped forward. "Tonaka, stop!"
Tonaka scoffed coldly. "I don't have time for people like you."
She turned and walked away.
Silence fell.
"I'm sorry…" Mitsuki said quietly.
Grey shrugged. "I'm used to it."
"Why aren't you angry?"
Grey looked at her carefully.
"Weren't you just apologizing for her?"
Mitsuki froze for a split second.
"…Let's go to the city."
Grey narrowed his eyes, a quiet unease settling in his chest.
(Something about her… doesn't add up. Tonaka's behavior felt off too.)
"Yeah… let's go."
To be continued…
Next Chapter : The blade of clamity