The System Archivist

Snake Calendar, Year 2025

13th Day of August, Saturday Morning

Adventurer Outpost #5, Last Line of Defense

Accel Winchester approached Adventurer Outpost #5, his first destination beyond the city walls. The area was abuzz with activity, a blend of chaotic energy and camaraderie. Adventurers of all shapes, sizes, and skill levels moved about the outpost. Some gathered in groups, planning their strategies, while others polished their weapons or inspected their armor. The solo adventurers stood apart, exuding an air of quiet determination.

The outpost itself was fortified with a sturdy perimeter of steel-reinforced walls, and watchtowers were stationed at key points, manned by vigilant guards. Just beyond lay the sprawling forest, a place that whispered of danger and opportunity in equal measure.

As Accel stepped closer to the perimeter, a soft hum vibrated beneath his feet. His Archivist System activated, projecting a notification:

System Alert:

You have entered a Protection Rune Area. Monster Repulsion Active: Level Range (1–50). Duration: Permanent.

He paused, intrigued. Using Scan, he examined the runes etched into the ground near the gate. Faintly glowing symbols pulsed with energy, forming a protective barrier around the outpost.

"Fascinating," he muttered, mentally bookmarking the discovery for further study. "Runes could be an incredible resource for both offense and defense. I'll have to learn more about their uses."

Once he passed the barrier, Accel's focus shifted. Ahead was the forest, dense and teeming with the unknown. This was his starting line—the first step in proving himself not just as a support-type system user but as someone who could adapt and survive in the wild.

The forest was alive with sounds: rustling leaves, distant chirping of birds, and the faint rustle of small creatures darting through underbrush. Accel clutched his staff tightly—a simple, polished oak rod he'd purchased from the outpost's general store. While not a weapon designed for heavy combat, it served as both a walking stick and a conduit for his energy-based skills.

As he advanced cautiously, his first target came into view. A gelatinous slime, translucent and shimmering faintly under the sunlight, oozed through the underbrush. It was about the size of a large pumpkin and emitted a faint gurgling noise. Accel's Archivist System immediately identified the creature:

Creature Identified:

Name: Lesser Slime

Level: 3

HP: 20/20

Attributes: Resistant to physical attacks, vulnerable to energy-based attacks.

Accel nodded, his nerves tingling with anticipation. This was it—the moment he had trained for. He steadied his breathing and readied his energy.

"Kindle Spark," he whispered, focusing on channeling his energy into his palm. A flicker of heat danced at his fingertips, growing into a small flame.

The activation process wasn't instantaneous. Kindle Spark required both mental focus and verbal chanting to stabilize the flame. As he raised his hand, the words flowed naturally:

"By the power within, I kindle the spark that burns and brightens. Ignite!"

The flame surged forward, a streak of fire connecting with the slime. The creature quivered as its gelatinous surface sizzled.

System Notification:

Kindle Spark Damage: 5 HP inflicted.

Effect Chance: 3% - Burn Inflicted (Duration: 3 seconds, 10 HP/3 sec).

The slime writhed, its surface bubbling as the burn effect took hold. But it wasn't done yet. In retaliation, it launched a glob of its viscous body toward Accel. The impact landed on his leg with a sharp sting.

System Notification:

Damage Received: 4 HP. Slime Acid Effect: None.

"That's... unpleasant," Accel muttered, grimacing as he wiped the substance off with a nearby leaf. The slight pain made him more aware of his vulnerability.

He struck again, chanting to activate Kindle Spark. This time, the flame burned brighter, and with another direct hit, the slime dissolved into a puddle, leaving behind a small, crystalline core.

System Notification:

Lesser Slime defeated. Core obtained.

Accel exhaled, his energy reserves already feeling the strain.

After collecting the core, he leaned against a tree to rest. Despite the simplicity of the encounter, the effort it took to maintain focus, avoid damage, and manage his limited energy reserves had taken its toll.

"This isn't as easy as I thought," he admitted, glancing at his Energy Points (ENCO): 30/50. Each use of Kindle Spark drained 10 points, and the cooldown prevented him from spamming the skill.

To recover, Accel pulled out a small energy-restoration potion from his satchel. The liquid glowed faintly, a mix of alchemical ingredients meant to replenish spent reserves. He downed it quickly, feeling a warm rush as his energy levels stabilized.

System Notification:

Energy Points Restored: +20 ENCO. Current ENCO: 50/50.

Resting under the shade of the tree, Accel reflected on his first battle. He realized that even low-ranked creatures could pose a challenge if he wasn't careful. This wasn't the controlled environment of Nova Asta—out here, every decision mattered.

Once his strength returned, Accel pressed on, encountering more slimes along the way. Each battle tested his stamina and adaptability. He began to experiment with Kindle Spark, altering the direction of the flame and adjusting the timing of his attacks to maximize effectiveness.

By midday, he had collected five slime cores, completing his first quest. His body was sore, and his energy reserves were dwindling, but a sense of accomplishment swelled within him.

As he made his way back to Adventurer Outpost #5, he couldn't help but smile. The forest had tested him, and while the challenges were far from over, he felt a newfound confidence in his abilities.

"Next time," he thought, gripping his staff, "I'll be ready for more."

Archivist System Update:

1. Archivist System Level: (1/100) to (5/100)

2. Skill Proficiency Improved: Kindle Spark – Beginner Second Level.

-> Damage: 5 Hitpoints to 7 Hitpoints

-> Effects: (1) Gives light from dark places by 0.6 meters and (2) when Accel uses the Kindle Spark to the enemy they deal damage and have a 2%/4% chance of inflicting burn effect that deals 10 damage per 3 seconds.

3. Energy Attribute: 10 (+1)

4. Vitality Attribute: 10 (+1) (+5 Equipment)

-> Health Points: 160/160

-> Unequip Equipment: 110/110

This was only the beginning of his journey. With each step, Accel was carving a path toward mastery, one battle at a time. And at the same time he received a notification from his Archivist System, it was called Archive Collection. "What's this?"