Limitless Seas

Chapter 7: A Beggar's Shelter

The sky had darkened by the time Ethan left the meeting spot. The marketplace was closing, merchants packing up their stalls while the last few stragglers finished their business. He walked past them without stopping. He had nothing left to spend.

Ethan didn't live in town like most people. He couldn't afford to. Instead, he stayed on the outskirts, deep in the forest where no one bothered him.

He wasn't always like this. Before, he had a home, a family—until they were taken from him. He didn't waste time thinking about it anymore. That life was gone. Now, he was just another street beggar, another nameless face trying to survive.

But unlike the others, Ethan didn't just sit around waiting for scraps. He fought, he leveled up, and he made sure he wouldn't die weak.

His "home" wasn't much—just a small shelter built from salvaged wood and palm leaves. It sat tucked between thick trees, hidden from passing eyes. The only thing of value inside was a small chest where he kept anything useful—coins, bandages, and whatever supplies he could scavenge.

Ethan stepped inside and dropped onto the rough bedding he had made from old cloth. His body ached from the day's events, but his mind refused to rest.

Tomorrow was everything. If they pulled it off, he'd finally have a way off this island. If they failed…

He shook the thought away and grabbed his new cutlass, running a finger along its dull edge. He'd have to sharpen it before the job.

A deep sigh left his lips. He had nothing left to do but wait.

For now, all he could do was try to sleep.

Ethan woke before the sun fully rose, the cold morning air biting at his skin. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, then stretched his sore muscles.

Today was the day. The ship would arrive tonight, which meant he had one last chance to get stronger.

He grabbed his cutlass and left the shelter, heading deeper into the forest.

Ethan wasn't the only predator in these woods. Wild boars, large snakes, and even aggressive monkeys roamed the area. They were all low-level, but fighting them was still better than sitting around doing nothing.

The first thing he spotted was a boar, sniffing at the ground. It wasn't paying attention.

Ethan tightened his grip on his sword and rushed in.

The boar barely had time to react before his blade slashed across its side. It squealed in pain, trying to turn and charge, but Ethan dodged left and drove his sword into its neck.

[+200 XP]

He exhaled, pulling his blade free. One down.

The next few hours were the same—hunting, fighting, and pushing himself harder with each battle. He killed another boar, fought off a snake that tried to bite him, and even took on a small group of wild monkeys that attacked him with rocks.

By the time he was done, his arms were sore, his shirt was torn, and sweat dripped down his face. But it was worth it.

[LEVEL UP!]

[LEVEL 18]

He stared at the glowing notification before it faded. He had done it—just in time.

The sky was starting to darken. It was almost time for the job.

Ethan wiped the sweat from his forehead, took a deep breath, and started heading back.

Tonight, everything would change.