[Quest complete! Reward: Continuation of tutorial and access to "Status Window".]
God knows how long passed until I finally mustered the strength to get up. I simply could not process what had just happened. What I had done. I looked around once more and saw the two bodies, one missing a jaw, and the other lacking a head entirely.
[The "Status Window" is a basic feature of the system that allows you to monitor your progress and growth. It also provides you with useful information and tips on how to survive in this world.]
I nodded as I read the explanation from the system. It seemed like a helpful guide, but I still had many questions.
[Please open the "Status Window".]
"Erm... Status window!"
In a similar manner to the other notices, a translucent screen appeared in front of my eyes.
=====
Name: Lee Jae-min
Age: 31
Level: 1 (6/10)
Exclusive Attributes: [Reader (???)]
Stats (0 points): [Strength: 6, Vitality: 5, Agility: 6, Intelligence: 11, Elemental Power: 0]
Elemental Resonance: [none]
Skills: [none]
=====
[For reference, the average adult male is Lv. 10 in all stats excluding elemental power.]
"Well thanks, that really makes me feel better about myself." I muttered sarcastically as I read my abysmal stats. It was clear that I was nowhere near the average adult male, let alone a capable fighter.
I decided to take a moment to familiarise myself with the window and scrolled through the different sections. I found that I could allocate points to different stats to increase their level, and I could also learn new skills as I gained more experience.
I made a mental note to work on my physical stats, especially my strength and vitality, if I wanted to survive in this world. As for my exclusive attribute, "Reader" or elemental resonance, I had no idea what they meant or how they could be of use, but I was sure I would find out soon enough.
The sun was slowly sinking behind the horizon, casting long shadows over the forest. The trees seemed to grow taller and darker, hiding secrets and dangers in their branches. The birds stopped singing and the insects stopped buzzing, creating a quiet, unsettling lull.
I felt a sense of dread as I watched the sky turn from blue to orange. The forest was not a friendly place in the day, how would it be at night?
[New quest received!]
The ding of the system startled me and I quickly opened the quest window.
=====
Quest: Tutorial #2
Difficulty: F
Clear Conditions: Survive the night.
Compensation: 10 experience points, access to the "Inventory", and continuation of the tutorial.
Failure: ???
=====
I felt a surge of panic as I read the quest. Survive the night? It sounded as if something was guaranteed to happen. I had no choice but to continue.
[Quest accepted!]
I looked around and tried to find something useful. The forest was dense and gloomy, but I could see some rocks, sticks, and leaves on the ground. Maybe I could make some basic tools or shelter. Maybe I could find some edible plants or animals. Maybe I could find some water source.
I decided to follow my instincts and look for anything that could help me. I found some berries that looked edible, but I wasn't sure if they were poisonous or not. I decided to take a risk and ate one. It tasted sweet and sour, and didn't make me feel sick. I picked some more and put them in my pocket.
I walked in no particular direction hoping that, eventually, before the sun fully sets, I'll find some sort of shelter.
After walking for what felt like 30 minutes, I heard the sound of a rushing river somewhere nearby. I searched for a few minutes and finally found my salvation. Not having drank any water for a long time has taken its toll on me. I knelt down and drank some cool water, feeling refreshed and hydrated.
I started walking along the river, keeping an eye on my surroundings. The sun had completely set and the moon had risen in the sky, casting a pale light over the landscape. The air was cold and damp, and I shivered as I walked. I wished I had some clothes or a fire, but I knew that would attract unwanted attention.
I walked for about an hour, feeling more and more nervous as time passed. The river seemed to go on forever, with no signs of human habitation. The only sounds I heard were the water flowing and my own footsteps and breathing, and occasionally some rustling or snapping in the bushes. I tried to ignore them, hoping they were just small animals or birds.
But then I heard something else.
A low growl.
A deep, menacing growl that sent chills down my spine.
I stopped in my tracks and looked around frantically. Where did it come from? What was it? How close was it?
I saw a pair of glowing red eyes in the dark, staring at me with hunger and malice.
A wolf.
A huge, black wolf with sharp teeth and claws.
[Hungry Wolf, Lv. 2]
A translucent name tag of sorts hovers above the wolf, most likely due to the status window being enabled.
But I had no time to think about that, I quickly pulled out my Desert Eagle and readied my shot, aiming directly at it's head.
The wolf however, had other thoughts. It pounced on my arms, pushing forward with its hind legs. Its jagged teeth dug into my soft forearm and my grip immediately loosened on the gun. It fell to the ground with a soft thud.
"Ahhrghhh!"
The pain was immeasurable, my nerves all across my arm burned as if I was set on fire. Keeping my mind as clear as possible, I grabbed a rock from the river coast and smashed it on the side of the wolf's head.
The wolf whimpered and fell to the ground, obviously injured from the attack. I stumbled to my dropped gun and picked it up, aiming a shot with my uninjured arm.
The bullet ejected from the gun pierced through the wolf's head, but I was unable to control the powerful recoil with one arm. The gun flew out of my hand and I could feel my shoulder dislocate.
I felt a surge of adrenaline as I killed the wolf, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of pain and nausea. I looked at my arm and saw blood gushing out of the wound. My vision quickly darkened and it felt as if the world was spinning around me.
I fell to the ground.