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Chapter 5: Something unexpected

  Sora woke with a yawn, stretching his wings as he stood up and shook off the remnants of sleep.

  The events of the previous night came rushing back to him—the fight with the wolves, the glowing screens, and the strange leveling system that seemed to govern this world.

  It still felt surreal, like something out of a game or a dream, but the aches in his body and the bloodstains on his feathers were a stark reminder that it was all very real.

  He sat down on the grass, taking a moment to focus his mind.

  Status, he thought, and just like the night before, a glowing screen appeared before him. Even though he had seen it once already, the sight still surprised him. The screen was filled with information, detailing his stats, skills, and titles.

  It was overwhelming, but he knew he needed to understand it if he was going to survive.

  Sora took a deep breath, his golden eyes scanning the screen. HP is my health, MP is mana, and ST is stamina, he piecing together the information. Titles give me stat boosts, and skills… well, they’re what’s keeping me alive.

  He tapped on the [Gust] skill, and a description appeared.

  [Gust] - Allows the user to create a gust of wind that pushes nearby objects or opponents back from the user, now you can make use of how to blow your enemies away without hurting them former pacifist.

  Former pacifist? Sora frowned. I guess the system knows me better than I thought.

  He remembered using the skill during the fight with the wolves, the burst of wind that had saved him from being overwhelmed. It was a useful ability, one he’d need to practice.

  [Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat (HtH)] - you learned how to fight with your hands and with your species being a harpy it becomes more deadly, allows you have better muscle memory on fighting and dealing more damage with your hands or claws in your case.

  That explains how I managed to take down that wolf, Sora thought, flexing his talons. I’m stronger than I realized. I didn’t even think about it—my body just moved on its own.

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  He moved on to [Survival Instinct]

  [Survival Instinct] - A animals survival instinct is what keeps itself alive and you being a harpy gave you this advantage even though you lack finesse, you have now a sixth sense that allows you to sense danger, predict enemy movement and potential threats.

  It’s not just luck—it’s instinct.

  This description its not even trying to be subtle with this time.

  Still explains why I was able to handle those wolves better than I expected, Sora relaxes. It’s like my body knew what to do before my mind caught up.

  Then he checked [Stealth], and his feathers ruffled in annoyance.

  [Stealth] - Congrats you now know how to be a chicken and hide like a coward, creatures are less likely to notice you.

  I’m a harpy, not a chicken! Sora glares at the screen. And hiding isn’t cowardly—it’s smart! Still, he couldn’t deny that the skill had saved him more than once. Still, it’s useful. I’ll take it.

  [Enhance Vision] - You can see far than most people and animals even though you didn't see those wolves that where approaching you from a mile away.

  Hey, how was I supposed to know when I discovered this system last night. Sora protested internally.

  Give me a break. Sora grumbled internally, though he couldn’t deny the skill’s usefulness. At least now I’ll be more aware of my surroundings.

  [Screech] - Let out a powerful scream that disorient any living being that is unlucky to hear it, Now you can cry like a baby to scare away your predators.

  I’m not a baby! Sora practically shouted in his mind his feathers ruffling in annoyance. And I don’t cry! Well, except that one time… but that’s not important!

  After checking his skills, Sora turned his attention to his stats. He had glanced at them briefly the night before, but now he took the time to understand what each one meant.

  WILL is my Mental fortitude and resistance to fear or manipulation. Good to know I’m not completely weak-minded, Sora thought.

  STR is Physical strength. Not bad, but I could use more if I’m going to fight more wolves—or worse.

  AGI is Speed, reflexes, and overall agility. No wonder I was able to dodge those wolves. Being a harpy definitely helps alot.

  DEX is Coordination and precision. I’ll need to work on this if I’m going to use weapons or tools.

  VIT is my Stamina and overall health. Higher VIT means I can take more hits and keep going longer. But, Sora shivered slightly. I hate pain

  Understanding his stats gave Sora a clearer picture of his strengths and weaknesses.

  I’m fast and agile, but I need to work on my strength and coordination if I’m going to survive in this world.

  After studying his status and packing up his belongings—the wolf fur, the remaining pieces of cooked meat, and the few supplies he had scavenged—Sora set out to continue exploring.

  The morning air was crisp, and the light filtered softly through the canopy above, casting patterns of light and shadow on the forest floor.

  As he walked along the river, he occasionally stopped to examine something of interest—a peculiar flower, animal tracks, or clusters of berries.

  He collected what he could, trying to memorize their appearances for future reference. I need to learn what’s safe to eat and what’s not, he thought. I can’t afford to make a mistake.

  After some time, the terrain began to change. The ground became rockier, and the trees thinned out as the sound of rushing water grew louder.

  Sora soon found himself standing at the edge of a cliff, looking down at a massive waterfall. The water cascaded into a misty abyss below, the sound filling the air with a constant roar.

  But what truly took his breath away was the sight beyond the waterfall. He wasn’t just standing on a cliff—he was standing on the edge of a floating island. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut.

  A floating island? He stared in awe as birds flew beneath him, their wings carrying them through the open air.

  In the distance, he saw a silhouette of a dragon soaring through the sky, its massive form heading northwest.

  For a moment, Sora was overcome with a mix of awe and fear. This world is more bizarre than I thought. Dragons, floating islands, weird screens, and a leveling system… It’s like something out of a fantasy novel.

  The sight was breathtaking, but it also reminded him of how isolated he truly was. I need to find others. I need to learn more about this world.

  Standing at the edge of the cliff, Sora felt the cool mist from the waterfall on his face and the breeze rustling his feathers.

  The view was stunning, but it also filled him with a sense of urgency. I need to explore further, but how do I get down from here? Gliding down seemed risky, especially with his limited flying experience.

  For now, I’ll have to stay on this island. But I need to understand its geography and the creatures that live here. It’s the only way I’ll survive.

  Taking a step back from the edge, Sora felt a renewed sense of determination. There’s so much I don’t know, but I’ll figure it out.

  One step at a time. With a deep breath, he turned away from the waterfall and headed back into the forest, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

  <> ? <>

  "Well the kid is certainly handling this than I thought. Oh well I have better things to do right now so I hope I don't miss anything entertaining while I'm gone." The being thoughted before standing up from its seat and disappear into the mist

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