The day was unfolding as it usually didbcalm, uneventful. A soft breeze rustled through the streets, the weather comfortably normal. People crossed roads, vehicles hummed by, and there I was, lost in my own world.
My name is Kael Francis. I'm sixteen years old and a high school student top of my class, in fact. But even with my academic success, my life feels… empty. I have no friends, no girlfriend. Honestly, my life sucks but strangely, I've never cared much about that.
Well, except for this guy beside me.
That's Benjamin my only friend and my best friend since childhood. We've shared a pretty average life together, filled with simple days and quiet laughs.
"Hey, Kael," Benjamin said, placing his hands behind his head, "do you know what it feels like to have a girlfriend?"
I shrugged. "Why should I care? It's not like I'm interested in women."
"Man… sucks for you. I've already got a girlfriend and she's Kitagawa. Yeah, that Kitagawa."
My hand instinctively tightened around the strap of my backpack. "Kitagawa? As in the Kitagawa the student council president? The most popular girl in school?"
Benjamin smirked and started walking forward, crossing the street. "Yep. And guess what? She confessed to me."
"BENJAMIN, WATCH OUT! A TRUCK IT'S RUNNING A RED LIGHT!"
"Huh?!"
Time slowed.
A sharp gasp escaped my lips. It felt like my soul got sucker-punched. Without thinking, I dashed forward and shoved Benjamin out of the truck's path. The impact struck me instead.
I was airborne.
My head slammed into the pavement. Blood sprayed across the asphalt. Pain... blinding pain.
Haaah… what is this? Is this death? Why is my vision fading…? I can't see anything…
"Kael! Are you okay?! Why… why did you push me out of the way?!" Benjamin shouted, his voice trembling, his nose running.
Cough. Cough. Blood spilled from my mouth. "Don't worry, Benjamin… I think… this is where my journey ends…"
Then, a voice echoed inside my head calm, clear, absolute.
[Notice: Your heart will stop beating in 10 seconds. If you choose to die, allow time to pass. But if you wish to be reincarnated in another world, say 'No'.]
Who… is that…? Why can't I move…?
Benjamin grabbed my hand, tightening his grip desperately.
"Hang in there, man! The ambulance will be here any minute! Somebody help! Please call an ambulance! PLEASE!" he cried, sobbing.
"There's no need to cry, Benjamin…" I whispered, my voice weak. "You've always been there. You're the only friend I ever had. I'm grateful…"
[5 seconds remaining...]
[2 seconds remaining...]
[Final choice: Yes or No]
"…No."
[Choice confirmed.]
[Analyzing soul...]
[Analysis complete.]
[Skill acquired: Star Eye]
[Skill acquired: Born Leader]
[Skill acquired: Crafting Master]
[Skill acquired: Soul Eater]
[You will be transported to another world in 10 seconds.]
[9...]
[8...]
[7...]
[6...]
[5...]
[4...]
[3...]
[2...]
[1...]
[Transportation complete.]
---
I gasped lungs pulling in air as though I hadn't breathed in years.
Where… where am I? The air is cold… but strangely pure. It feels like energy is floating all around me.
[Those are mana particles in the atmosphere.]
Wait who are you? Why are you inside my head?
[My name is Alpha. I am the sage assigned to guide you in this new world.]
A sage… assigned to me?
[Correct. I will assist you through your trials, explain the system, and help you unlock your potential.]
Okay… but where am I exactly?
[You are in the Forest of Beaumont. A sacred land, untouched by human civilization.]
Can I teleport out?
[No. Some of your skills are currently locked and will unlock as you grow.]
Chatter... chatter... Voices. Movement. People or creatures approaching. Should I run? But they don't seem hostile. Wait... do they have ears? Animal ears?
[Those are demi-humans. Half-beast, half-human. They are not hostile, but they can sense your aura. They fear your presence.]
"Hey! You!" one of them yelled, his weapon shaking in his grip. "Are you the demon sent to destroy our village?!"
A demon?
"I'm not a demon. Please if we could just talk, I'm sure we could come to an understanding," I said calmly.
"Why should we trust someone whose aura suffocates the forest?"
[Kael. Your aura is immense. It's overwhelming them. I can help you suppress it.]
Do it.
[Activating skill: Infinite Stomach.]
[Aura successfully absorbed.]
The tension broke. The villagers relaxed slightly.
"Please I mean no harm. I only want to speak with your village chief," I said.
"You want to meet our leader?" one of them asked. "You still expect us to trust you?"
"I can help. Whatever threat you face, I'll face it with you."
"…That's still not enough. We'll tie your hands. If you resist we kill you."
"I accept."
And so, with my hands bound, I was led to their village.
That was the beginning my first step into another world.