The Village in Flames

  Rin’s legs trembled, but he refused to move. Every instinct screamed at him to flee, to survive—but he stood firm, fists clenched so tight his nails bit into his skin.

  If I can’t even stand my ground here… how can I ever protect anyone?

  Chaos engulfed Willowshade Village. Screams of terrified villagers echoed, and blood painted the once peaceful streets.

  The Bandit Leader and his Vice Leader carved a path of carnage, cutting down everything in their way—innocents and awakened alike.

  Rin’s eyes sharpened as he took in the battlefield. His voice echoed with unwavering authority.

  "All 3rd Awakeners, focus on the Bandit Leader! Stop him at all costs!"

  "1st and 2nd Awakeners—protect the villagers and get them to safety!"

  Without hesitation, they obeyed.

  Cain, leading the 3rd Awakeners, clashed with the Bandit Leader, their combined strength forcing the monster to a standstill. Meanwhile, the lower-ranked Awakeners shielded terrified villagers, guiding them to safer ground.

  But it wasn’t enough.

  Across the battlefield, the Vice Leader moved like a viper. Her daggers gleamed as they found innocent flesh. Five fireballs flew toward her—an attempt to stop her rampage.

  BOOM!

  The smoke cleared. Not even a scratch.

  A Clash Against a Monster

  A sinister smile curled on her lips. Her eyes, filled with malicious delight, locked onto Rin.

  "A whelp like you? You don’t even know what death smells like… yet you stand before me?"

  Rin barely registered her words before—

  CRACK!

  A brutal kick slammed into his ribs, launching him through the air. Pain exploded in his chest as he crashed to the ground, his body crumpling like a ragdoll.

  I can’t… breathe…

  Each breath felt like knives tearing through his lungs. But his eyes remained open. His vision blurred, but he saw them—the villagers still in danger.

  I can’t… let this happen.

  Rin gritted his teeth. His fingers clawed at the ground. His body screamed for rest, but he forced himself up.

  "Lucky Surge…"

  [Class Exclusive Skill: Lucky Surge Activated]

  [You have been debuffed. Agility -1]

  "What?! Debuffed?!" Rin’s heart pounded. His luck stat was 7—how was this happening?

  "No… no time for this. Again!"

  "Lucky Surge!"

  [Lucky Surge Activated]

  [You received a buff: Constitution +1]

  [Congratulations. Constitution has reached 15—normal human limit

  (temporary).]

  "Are you kidding me…?" Rin muttered, half-laughing despite the pain.

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  What kind of luck is this?

  But before he could even process the buff—

  SHNK!

  A dagger sank into his back.

  Rin’s eyes widened.

  She’s behind me?!

  Blood dripped from the blade as the Vice Leader whispered in his ear.

  "Too slow."

  Gritting his teeth, Rin forced his body to move.

  "Lucky Surge!"

  [Enemy debuffed: Agility -3]

  Rin’s heart dropped.

  No…

  He knew instantly. His Lucky Surge only debuffed 5% of the target’s max stat.

  For her to lose 3 agility points—her agility was over 60.

  She’s been toying with me…

  "Mana Kick."

  Her voice was cold, and before Rin could react—

  WHAM!

  The next kick sent him flying into a wall. Blood burst from his lips as his body slumped to the ground.

  But she wasn’t done.

  A rough hand grabbed his collar, lifting him effortlessly.

  "You’re still alive after that?" The Vice Leader smirked, eyes gleaming with sadistic amusement. "You’re really something, kid."

  Rin’s blurred vision caught a glimpse of Elysia and Lucien rushing toward him.

  "STOP!"

  They tried to protect him—

  But they were swatted away like insects.

  "No…" Rin’s heart cracked as he watched them collapse, bloodied and broken.

  I… can’t…

  Despair clawed at him.

  Unshackled Potential

  [System Detected Threat to Host Life.]

  [Unlocking Sealed Feature: Arcane Adaptability (Temporarily).]

  [Arcane Adaptability]

  Magic evolves based on emotions, regrets, and experiences, allowing spells to surpass elemental limits.

  Rin’s eyes widened. His breathing was ragged, but his mind was clear.

  "Arcane Adaptability…"

  With the last of his mana, he conjured a fireball—

  No. Not enough.

  Compress it.

  Tighten it.

  [Warning! Remaining MP: 10.]

  [Arcane Adaptability resonates with unwavering resolve. Life… must be protected]

  [Fireball (Common) upgraded to Inferno Sphere (Epic).]

  The massive orb of swirling fire pulsed in his trembling hands.

  The Vice Leader’s sneer finally vanished.

  "What… what the hell is that?!"

  She stepped back instinctively.

  [Arcane Adaptability detected insufficient mana, forcibly degrading the Inferno Sphere]

  Rin had no time to notice. Gritting his teeth, he hurled the weakened spell toward the Vice Leader.

  Rin gritted his teeth, throwing the sphere with all his might.

  BOOOOM!

  Flames engulfed her, smoke and heat searing the battlefield.

  As the smoke cleared, the Vice Leader emerged, her clothes singed and a shallow burn marring her left arm. Yet, despite the faint injury, she chuckled, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement.

  "This… is your last attempt?" She brushed off the embers as if they were nothing. "It doesn’t even hurt."

  Rin’s heart sank.

  Why? Why can’t I…?

  He dropped to his knees. His mana was gone. His body was broken.

  The Vice Leader’s shadow loomed over him, her dagger dripping with malice.

  "Heroes like you die first… always trying to save those who can’t be saved."

  Her fist slammed into Rin’s face.

  Again.

  And again.

  Each blow dragged him closer to the edge of consciousness.

  A Hero’s Struggle

  But then—

  A sound.

  A cry.

  Rin’s blurry gaze shifted.

  A child.

  Barely two years old.

  Trembling in the blood-soaked mud.

  His tiny fingers twitched, his eyes wide with terror.

  Alive. But helpless.

  Rin’s heart clenched.

  "Not again… I won’t let another life slip away… not this time."

  The Vice Leader saw him too.

  A sinister smile crept onto her face as she moved toward the child.

  "No—" Rin’s voice was barely a whisper.

  With the last flicker of mana, he forced his body to move.

  [10 MP consumed; Body enhanced temporarily]

  He threw himself forward, his body screaming in protest.

  Protect him…

  Rin shielded the child with his broken body.

  SHNK!

  Another dagger pierced his back.

  "Why… don’t you just die?"

  Rin coughed blood, his vision fading.

  But his body refused to surrender.

  Even as pain devoured his senses—

  Even as despair clawed at his soul—

  His grip around the child tightened, shielding the fragile life within his arms.

  I swore…

  No matter what…

  I won’t let them die…