The corrupted direwolf lunged.

  Hiroshi barely had time to react. His body—this new, unfamiliar body—moved purely on instinct as he dove to the side, rolling across the dirt. The beast’s claws tore through the air, just inches from his head.

  His heart pounded. His breath was ragged.

  I’m going to die.

  The thought was loud in his mind, but his body refused to freeze. He scrambled backward, eyes darting around. A weapon—I need a weapon!

  And then, he saw it.

  A wooden training sword, barely more than a stick, lay in the hands of a trembling village boy. The kid, no older than ten, was frozen in fear as the direwolf turned toward him.

  No time to think.

  Hiroshi rushed forward, snatching the weapon from the boy’s grip. The child gasped but didn’t resist—he was too scared to do anything but watch.

  Ding!

  ---

  [Weapon Equipped: Crude Wooden Sword]

  [New Action Unlocked: Weapon Combat Basics]

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  [Do you wish to use the Element of Wind?]

  (Yes) / (No)

  ---

  Hiroshi’s eyes widened.

  An element? He hadn’t been assigned one before, but now the system was offering it. Did this mean he could actually fight?

  The direwolf growled, its crimson eyes locking onto him.

  No time to hesitate.

  He selected “Yes.”

  ---

  [Element Chosen: Wind]

  [Skill Unlocked: Gale Step]

  ---

  A rush of energy surged through his body. His limbs felt lighter, his movements faster. It was like a weight had been lifted off him.

  The direwolf charged.

  Move!

  His body reacted before his mind caught up. He sidestepped at the last second, his movements now unnaturally quick—like a gust of wind pushing him out of danger.

  His eyes widened. That was Gale Step!

  For the first time since waking in this world, a thought flickered in his mind.

  I… might actually have a chance.

  ---

  The Struggle

  Hiroshi swung the wooden sword, aiming for the direwolf’s head. The weapon connected—but it barely did anything. The wolf snarled, whipping around and slamming its body into him.

  The impact sent him flying backward, his ribs aching from the blow.

  Shit, this thing is strong.

  He staggered to his feet, breathing heavily. His hands trembled around the sword’s hilt.

  The wolf lunged again, its fangs glistening.

  Gale Step!

  He activated the skill again, dodging to the side, but this time he followed up. He spun with the momentum, swinging his sword directly at the beast’s exposed neck.

  CRACK!

  The wooden weapon splintered on impact, but—

  Ding!

  ---

  [Critical Hit!]

  [Enemy Staggered!]

  ---

  The direwolf howled in pain, stumbling back.

  Hiroshi didn’t let the chance slip. He grabbed the sharpest piece of broken wood and dashed forward. His enhanced speed made him blur for a split second.

  With all his strength, he drove the broken weapon straight into the wolf’s throat.

  The beast gurgled, its glowing eyes flickering.

  A moment later, it collapsed.

  ---

  Victory & Awakening

  Ding!

  ---

  [Corrupted Direwolf Defeated!]

  [Mission Complete!]

  [Element Affinity Confirmed: Wind]

  [New Skill Unlocked: Wind Cutter]

  Create sharp blades of wind with each swing of a weapon.

  ---

  Hiroshi stood over the corpse, gasping for breath. His body was sore, his arms numb from the effort. But he had won.

  For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt the thrill of survival.

  This wasn’t just a random accident.

  He had been thrown into this world for a reason.

  And if he wanted to live…

  He had to become stronger.