Chapter 3: The Grind BeginsPart 1: The Harsh Reality of Leveling UpArata sat on a fallen log, staring at the dead Wild Fang Rabbit in front of him. His heart had finally stopped racing, but his hands were still shaking slightly.

  “…That was way too close,” he muttered.

  He looked at the notification again.

  +10 EXP gained!

  That was a small amount, but if this world worked like an RPG, that meant he could level up by fighting.

  "Alright… so all I have to do is find more monsters and beat them down." He nodded to himself, gripping the branch he had used earlier. It was still intact, but a weapon would be much better.

  For now, this would have to do.

  He took a deep breath, stood up, and walked deeper into the forest.

  Part 2: Hunting for TroubleThe forest was dense, with thick trees casting long shadows over the dirt path. Arata moved cautiously, keeping an eye out for any movement.

  After about fifteen minutes, he spotted something.

  Another Wild Fang Rabbit was sniffing the ground near a bush. This one was slightly smaller than the st, but its red eyes still had that feral hunger.

  Arata gripped his branch tightly. If I could beat one, I can beat another.

  He crept closer, trying to be as quiet as possible.

  One step… two steps…

  Then—CRACK.

  His foot snapped a twig.

  The rabbit’s ears twitched, and in an instant, it lunged at him.

  “Crap—!”

  He barely dodged, rolling to the side as the rabbit nded where he had just been.

  No hesitation this time. Arata swung the branch down with all his strength.

  WHACK!

  The rabbit let out a pained shriek, but it wasn’t dead. It staggered, shaking its head.

  Arata didn’t wait. He rushed forward and swung again.

  CRACK!

  The rabbit colpsed.

  +10 EXP gained!

  Arata exhaled, sweat running down his face. That was two now.

  "Alright… I can do this."

  He kept moving.

  Part 3: Struggle for GrowthArata kept hunting, pushing himself to take down more Wild Fang Rabbits. The first few fights were messy—his swings were sloppy, his dodges were barely on time, and every fight left him bruised and exhausted.

  But after about an hour, something changed.

  A new notification appeared.

  [Level Up! You are now Level 2!]+3 Strength, +2 Agility, +2 Endurance, +5 HP

  Arata felt… different.

  His body didn’t feel as sluggish. His grip on the branch felt stronger. His breathing, though heavy, wasn’t as bored.

  He smirked.

  "So this is what leveling up feels like… I like it."

  Encouraged, he continued hunting.

  Another rabbit.Then another.Then another.

  Each fight became a little easier. His dodging improved. His attacks were faster and stronger.

  By the time the sun began to set, he received another notification.

  [Level Up! You are now Level 3!]+3 Strength, +2 Agility, +2 Endurance, +5 HP

  Arata colpsed onto the grass, panting. His clothes were covered in dirt, and his arms ached.

  But… he was stronger now.

  This grinding thing might actually work.

  But just as he was about to rest, a new sound echoed through the trees.

  A deep, guttural growl.

  Arata’s eyes widened.

  That wasn’t a rabbit.

  And whatever it was… it was big.