Chapter 1: chapter 1: Damn
Where am I?
Was the only thought that ran through my mind at the moment.
I was currently lying on a large patch of grass in the middle of what seems to be a forest.
Seeing as I don't recognize my surroundings or I have no recollection of how I ended up here, I tried recalling what I was doing before ending up here.
Ugh… my head hurts a little… *sigh*
Right, I was fighting some street dude.
But how did I end up in the middle of nowhere? Did I lose?… Nah, I couldn't have lost. I scoffed, losing was out of the question.
I spent most of my life practicing jiu jitsu and won a few competitions. So losing to some fool who looks stupid and probably doesn't have a form of training is insulting. I probably must've gone home to sleep because I was tired.
But that doesn't answer how I ended up here, in nowhere.
I rolled into my side, gritting my teeth as my muscles protested. I felt a sharp sting in my elbow as I pushed myself up from the rough texture of the dirt and grass.
My legs feel like jelly but I prevented myself from collapsing.
Now that I'm standing straight, and have a sense of clarity, I noticed the air felt different, sharper than before I woke up.
"what the hell…" I muttered, looking around. The landscape was unlike anything I've seen before. The towering trees with leaves that shimmered like gold, and in the far distance was… more trees?
Damn… doesn't look like I'm getting anywhere anytime soon. My head is starting to hurt again, I'm struggling to process this all. How did I get here?
Suddenly *ding* echoed in my ears, like the sound of a notification on a phone. I froze, my eyes darting around, "Hello?" I called out, my voice sounding small in the vastness of this strange world.
Then 'it' appeared.
A glowing blue screen materialized in front of me, hovering in midair like something out of a video game. Bold, blocky text appeared:
[Congratulations!]
You have taken your first steps in a new world!
Initiation package placed in inventory.
Please proceed to opening the package before moving forward.
I stared at the screen, my mouth hanging open. "What... what is this?" I reached out, expecting the screen to be solid, but my hand just passed through, like it was not there. The text shimmered, waiting for my response.
"New world? Is this some kind of joke?" I said aloud, though no one answered. My heart raced as I scanned the screen again.
On it were three options: [settings], [status] and [inventory].
[Ding.]
You are incorrect, host. This is not a joke, you have met an unfortunate end at the hands of the assailant You have engaged in combat with.
"Huh!???"
I died? The guy I fought with in the alley? That guy?
"That's impossible!" I barked. "I knocked him down! I saw him falling!!" I was seething with rage.
[Ding.]
Correct. Your overconfidence blinded you to the danger. While you celebrated your perceived victory, your opponent retrieved a concealed weapon and struck you from behind. Fatal damage was sustained to your vital organs. You died instantly.
"What?!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the empty void around me. "That's... that's not fair! He cheated! He-"
[Ding.]
Fairness is irrelevant in Street combat, host.
Survival is the only objective. Your failure to ensure your opponent's complete incapacitation was your mistake. Pride and overconfidence are lethal flaws.
I clenched my fists, my chest heaving as reality sank in. I died. I actually died. That guy in the alley... he killed me. And now I'm here, wherever 'here' is, talking to some... some floating screen.
"So what now?" | demanded, my voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. "If I'm dead, why am I here?
[Ding.]
That is for you to decide, host. Consider this a second chance of life.
"A second chance?" | repeated, my anger giving way to confusion. "You're saying I'm being sent to another world? Like... reincarnated or something?"
[Ding.]
Correct. You were reborn in a world of magic, swords and gods. Although the possibilities are endless, be warned: this world is far more dangerous that your previous one.
It sounded like something out of those stories I used to skim through when I was bored. But this... this was real. And if I was really getting a second shot at life, I couldn't afford to pass it up.
"Alright," I said, taking a deep breath. "What do I need to do?"
[Ding.]
You must first find the nearest civilization and get the necessary information.
"Ok, but which direction should I go? I don't know this place." I sighed, "what if I go deeper into the forest? You said monsters are in this world, right?"
[Ding.]
Affirmative. Go straight to your left, you'll find a city named 'Orario' 3 kilometers from Your current location. Good luck on your travels, host.
*Bzzt* The voice cut off.
Orario? Sounds familiar. Where have I heard that name…? Well, no matter. I should check that package I got.
Inventory. I mentally commanded. No sooner had the interface opened up showing the initiation package.
[Initiation package ~1] would you like to open.
Yes
[congratulations.]
You have received - Race upgrade elixir
You have received - 15 stat points
You have received - Hanfu robe(full outfit)
You have received - jiang(sword)
You have received - 1 time system customize
The wooden box appeared in front of me, its dark, polished surface gleaming faintly under the strange light of this place. I reached out, my fingers brushing against the smooth wood, and lifted the lid. Inside, the items were neatly arranged, each one radiating an almost otherworldly aura.
First, my eyes landed on the vial of golden liquid-the Race Upgrade Elixir. It shimmered as if alive, tiny motes of light dancing within the liquid. I picked it up carefully, the glass cool against my skin.
"Race upgrade, huh?" I muttered, turning it over in my hands. "What does that even mean?"
Before I could dwell on it too long, my attention shifted to the Hanfu robe. It was folded neatly, the fabric a deep, rich blue with intricate silver embroidery that seemed to shift and catch the light as I moved.
I ran my fingers over it, surprised by how soft it felt. "This is... actually kind of nice," I admitted, definitely something I should wear. I doubt anyone in this should be wearing something anywhere this good.
Next, I reached for the jiang sword. The moment my hand wrapped around the hilt, I felt a surge of energy course through me.
The blade was sleek and slightly curved, its edge gleaming with a sharpness that promised deadly precision.
I gave it a few experimental swings, the weight feeling perfect in my hand. "Okay, this is cool," I said, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Definitely cool."
Finally, I noticed the [15 stat points] and the
[1-Time System Customize] option. A notification popped up in front of me:
[Would you like to allocate your stat points now?]
[Yes] / [No]
I hesitated for a moment, then selected [Yes]. Another screen appeared, displaying my current stats:
[Name: Zephyr Kane.
Race: human
Level: 1
Class: Unassigned
HP: 100| MP: 100
Strength: 5| Agility: 5
Intelligence: 5| Endurance: 5
Available stats: 15
Abilities: minor space manipulation
Techniques: jiu jitsu| muay tai| taekwondo| aikido
Current world: Danmachi(I don't know the name of the world so I'm using the stories name)]
I stared at the numbers, my mind racing.
"Alright, let's think this through," I said, tapping my chin. "If this world is as dangerous as the system says, I need to be ready for anything. Strength and Agility seem like no-brainers, but Intelligence could be useful if magic is a thing here. And Endurance... Well, I don't want to die again, so that's probably important too."
"But wait… if I allocate the stat points separately, they wouldn't be raised enough to safely get me out of here." I mulled over it. Then I remembered something that was in my possession.
[Ding.]
Stat allocation complete. Would you like to use your 1-Time System Customize now?
[Yes] / [No]
I frowned. "What does that even do?"
[Ding.]
The 1-Time System Customize allows you to modify one aspect of the system interface to better suit your preferences.
This could include changing the appearance, adding shortcuts, or enabling additional features.
I thought about it for a moment. "I need a map function but the map doesn't really help me as much as the stuff I need right now."
After a little thought, I decided, "Combine strength, agility, intensity and endurance into one single unit..."
[Ding.]
Request acknowledged. New feature has been added. Would you like to see the status window?
Yes, that would help me greatly. Having to split stat points between four different places would not make me stronger faster. One stat point increases all four at the same time.
So instead of having 15 points, I actually have 60 points. "Hehehe!"
With that settled, I turned my attention back to the [Race Upgrade Elixir]. "Alright, let's see what this does," I said, uncorking the vial. The golden liquid glowed brighter as I raised it to my lips. I hesitated for just a second, then downed it in one gulp.
The effect was immediate. A searing heat spread through my veins, and I dropped to my knees, gasping as my body began to change. My vision blurred, and for a moment, I thought I might pass out. But just as quickly as it started, the sensation faded, leaving me feeling... different. Stronger. Faster. Sharper.
[Ding.]
Race Upgrade Complete.
New Race: Celestial Human.
Stats have increased.
Passive abilities gained: Enhanced Senses, Minor Regeneration, Increased Affinity for All Magic types and Natural Elegance.
I stared at the notification, my heart pounding. "Celestial Human? Like a high elf to a regular elf?"
After a bit of deliberation, I decided to allocate my stats: [New stat - constitution + 15]
[Name: Zephyr Kane.
Race: celestial human
Level: 1
Class: Unassigned
HP: 550| MP: 550
Constitution: 30(5+10+15)]
I whistled low under my breath. "550 HP? That's... a lot. And the Constitution at 30 points? Being a celestial must've added 10 more. Damn, I'm basically a tank now." I grinned, feeling a surge of confidence.
"Alright, Zephyr. You've got the stats, and the fancy title. Time to change gear." I turned towards the new clothes. I stood there for a moment, staring at the Hanfu robe in my hands.
"Alright, let's see how this looks," I muttered, slipping it on over my clothes. The robe fit perfectly, the sleeves flowing gracefully as I moved. It was surprisingly comfortable, and despite its elaborate design, it didn't restrict my movement at all. I glanced down at myself, grinning. "Not bad, Zephyr. Not bad at all." Pity I can't see my face.
After I finished changing and equipping what should be equipped, I straightened myself while the box disappeared.
Time to explore I guess. Hm… hostile entities detected. "Already? You gotta be kidding me. I haven't even moved 10 meters yet." I muttered, drew my blade and got ready for combat.