Chapter 5: Allies in the Shadows

The next day, Ren stood on the edge of the city’s outer walls, looking out over the sprawling landscape. The world stretched out before him—fields of wildflowers, deep forests, and towering mountains. A place full of endless possibilities.

He had been training nonstop since his encounter with Riven. Fighting low-level thugs, honing his skills, and leveling up. He had gained a few more combat abilities, though his progress was still slow. But that wasn’t the issue.

The issue was the growing attention he was receiving.

Riven’s cryptic words echoed in his mind: “You’re more interesting than I thought.”

Ren didn’t know whether to be flattered or terrified.

His grip tightened around the hilt of the sword he had stolen from a fallen bandit. It was a makeshift weapon, but it felt better than nothing.

“What do you think you’re doing, Ren?”

The voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned to see a figure approaching him from behind.

It was Kael Draven, the rogue mercenary Ren had read about in the anime. He was as aloof as ever, his unkempt dark hair framing his sharp features. His eyes—dark and calculating—glanced at Ren’s sword before meeting his gaze.

Ren raised an eyebrow. “What does it look like? I’m training.”

“You’re out here alone,” Kael said, his tone more curious than accusing. “There are far more dangerous creatures in these woods than bandits. And you—you—are an anomaly. Someone’s bound to notice sooner or later.”

Ren wasn’t sure what he meant by “anomaly,” but he wasn’t about to let anyone think he was helpless.

“I can handle myself.”

Kael stepped closer, his eyes narrowing. “I’m sure you can. But why bother training alone? You’re a fool if you don’t get help, and it’s clear you’re not just a random NPC anymore.”

Ren’s heart skipped a beat. How much did he know?

Kael smirked. “So, I’m offering you a deal.”

Ren raised an eyebrow. “A deal?”

“You don’t want to keep drawing attention from the wrong people. Stick with me for a while. I’ll train you. And in return…” Kael’s voice dropped to a near whisper. “You let me see what’s really going on with you.”

Ren frowned. “Why would I trust you?”

Kael shrugged. “Because you don’t have many options. People like us—outcasts—we’re drawn to each other.”

Ren considered this for a long moment. Kael was known for being unpredictable, even merciless, but he also had a reputation for never betraying his allies. Plus, if Kael knew anything about his growing status as an “anomaly,” he might be able to teach him things no one else could.

“Fine,” Ren said, finally making up his mind. “But no funny business. I’m not your pawn.”

Kael grinned. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

The Price of Power

As the days passed, Ren began training under Kael’s watchful eye. The rogue mercenary pushed him harder than he thought possible—endless drills, stamina tests, and sparring sessions that left Ren bruised and exhausted. But there was a method to Kael’s madness.

Under Kael’s guidance, Ren’s body grew stronger, his movements sharper, his instincts better honed. He could already see small results: his combat skills were improving at a pace he never could have imagined.

But something still gnawed at him.

Despite all his progress, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was still only scratching the surface of his potential.

“You’re holding back,” Kael said one evening, as Ren caught his breath after a particularly intense sparring match.

Ren wiped the sweat from his brow, meeting Kael’s gaze. “What do you mean?”

“The system glitch… it’s there, isn’t it? I can feel it.” Kael’s tone was low, almost knowing. “There’s something inside you, Ren. Something more than just an NPC.”

Ren hesitated. “What do you mean?”

Kael didn’t answer right away. Instead, he stepped forward, his dark eyes scanning Ren’s face. “Something’s pushing you to be more than what you were meant to be. And that’s dangerous.”

Ren’s heart pounded. He couldn’t hide it any longer. Kael was right—there was something inside him that shouldn’t be there. Something that went beyond the glitches in the system.

“I’m not afraid of danger,” Ren said, trying to mask the growing fear in his chest. “I’ll deal with it. On my own.”

Kael chuckled. “You’re not alone anymore, Ren. You never were.”

Ren’s breath caught. “What does that mean?”

Kael didn’t answer. He simply turned, walking away.

“Come on,” Kael called over his shoulder. “We’ve got work to do.”

Ren watched him for a moment, then followed. His heart was racing, but not from fear anymore. Something else—something new—was stirring inside him.

He had chosen his path. He wasn’t going to be a background character.

This was his story.

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