The sun rose. Birds chirped. A disciple screamed in the distance.
Ah yes… another peaceful day at the Ironroot Sect.
I was just about to go back to sleep when—
> [System Notification:]
Congratulations! You've been selected for your first official sect mission!
Category: Outer Disciple Trial (F-Rank)
Objective: Collect spirit mushrooms from the Blackroot Forest.
Team Assigned: 1 (That's you.)
Danger Level: Probably fatal.
Reward: 1 Spirit Elixir (very small)
Bonus Objective: Do not die.
"Why does this feel less like a quest and more like a dare?"
> [System encouraging Host to embrace growth through struggle.]
[Also, your name was drawn from the 'Least Valuable Asset' jar.]
---
I reported to the mission hall. Elder Zhan looked at me like he was deciding whether to eat cereal or throw it out.
"You. You're Arin, yes?"
"The one and only, unfortunately."
"You're assigned to the mushroom mission. Be warned: the Blackroot Forest has unstable spirit energy, low visibility, and mildly homicidal wildlife."
"Sounds like my ex."
He blinked. "You're too cheerful."
"I've accepted death as my sidekick."
---
So off I went — into the cursed foliage known as the Blackroot Forest.
It was dark.
It was humid.
It smelled like regret and wet fox.
> [System Tip:]
Warning: Poisonous spores detected.
Host advised not to sniff glowing fungus.
"Okay, but… it's glowing. That means it's important, right?"
> [That logic got three hosts killed last year.]
I ignored the system and picked the mushroom anyway.
It immediately released a cloud of purple gas that made me hallucinate a lecture from a cabbage.
---
Three hours later, I was muddy, dizzy, and being followed by a squirrel that may or may not be sentient.
Then… I heard a growl.
From the shadows, a Spirit-Warped Boar emerged. Fangs. Red eyes. Aura of doom.
I froze.
It sniffed me.
It charged.
I screamed.
> [System Battle Mode Activated!]
Error: No techniques available.
Error: Weapon unavailable.
Emergency Weapon Generated: "Sharp Stick of Destiny"
"You're kidding me!"
I ran in circles with a stick while the boar demolished trees behind me.
---
Suddenly, from the treetops, a fox spirit leapt down — tails glowing, eyes fierce.
Yura.
"Why is it always you in trouble?" she asked, sighing.
"Because I'm the protagonist and the system hates me!"
She snapped her fingers — a blast of fire slammed into the boar, knocking it into a rock. It whimpered and ran off.
She turned to me, brushing her hair back.
"Next time, bring someone who can fight."
"Next time, I'm sending the system by itself."
> [System Notification:]
**Yura Impression: +2 (Pity and secondhand embarrassment)]
New Stat Unlocked: 'Fox Spirit Favor'
---
On the way back, we bumped into Yue Lan and Jun Bai.
"Oh, the mushroom picker survived," Jun Bai said flatly.
"Barely," I said, "but thanks for caring."
Yue Lan raised an eyebrow. "You were sent alone?"
"Yeah. The sect considers me disposable."
She looked… annoyed. At who, I wasn't sure.
Jun Bai muttered, "You'll be gone in a week."
"Oh no," I said, fake-gasping. "You'll miss me?"
"Like a rash misses the medicine."
> [System Notification:]
Jun Bai's Rage: 12/10 (Overflowing)
Yue Lan Impression: +1 (You made her smirk again.)
Mission Completed! Reward received: Spirit Elixir (evaporated slightly)
Reward Log: Original item sold to 'Heavenly Flame System.' You receive: Elixir Bottle (no elixir inside).
"…I hate you, System."
> [Please enjoy the placebo effect.]
---
I walked away sore, muddy, and carrying a bottle full of air.
But I survived.
And worse for the sect?
I was starting to get confident.