The first thing I remember is being warm.

A strange feeling. As if I was bathed in this glowing light, the sensation of someone smiling at me. I couldn't see whoever it was, couldn't even see the light, but I knew it was there.

Sometimes the glow would change, hotter, colder, pressure, relaxation. I had no concept of time when it began, no way to track how long I basked in this strange energy. But to me, it was a timeless eternity of peace and calm.

Sadly, all good things must end.

-

"Wake up, little one."

'Strange. What are these things I hear? How do I understand them? Where are they coming from?'

"Come now, little one. Open your sight."

'That's the warm glow. I feel it. What is it?'

"I said - Wake - UP!" <*CLUNK*>

"OWWWW!" Suddenly I could see! And feel. I did not like this feeling. This feeling hurt! What did I get hit with?

"It's about time! Even a God of Creation has a limit to their patience, little one. Now that you're awake, I can explain a few things.

"Welcome to Gaia. Your new home. In your past life you were no one of note, just a simple man living a simple life. You made a deal in your afterlife, to reincarnate as a being who is truly self-sufficient. So I spent a bit of time remaking you into your current form, and designing a system to assist you with any questions you have. Ask it if you have questions. Do you understand?"

"Gaia? System? Reincarnate? What am I? Who am I?"

<*CLUNK*>

"Ask your system!" The strange, glowing figure appeared to be hitting me (on my head?) with a large stick whenever I did not do as it asked. "Useless, low grade materials. Thankfully he's the last one I have to worry about," the figure muttered.

'System?' I thought quietly to myself.

Dungeon Core 1 - Unnamed

Level - 0

Biomass - 0/0

Materials - 0/0

Energy - 0/0

Defense - 0/0

Life forms - 0/0

Adventurers - 0/0

Location - <\ERROR/>

"Jesus FUCK!" <*CLANK*> "AHHHH SHIT"

"Watch your mouth! Now, off you go. I'll plant you somewhere you can grow a bit, gain some energy and establish yourself. Here, parting gift for you. Don't spend it all in one place!"

<5 biomass gained>

<5 materials gained>

<5 Energy gained>

"Wait, what- SHIIIIIIIIIII-"

This really was not my day.