As I opened my eyes, I found myself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. A sense of dread washed over me as I recalled where I had been before going to sleep - my favorite novel. Hoping it was all just a nightmare, I struggled to deny the truth, but it was undeniable. I was now inside the very world I had once only read about.
"Now what?" I questioned aloud, feeling lost in this strange world, completely alone. Most would have been thrilled to be transmigrated into a novel, but for me, it meant leaving behind my family, friends, and dreams from Earth, leaving me without direction or purpose.
"I'm tired," I continued, baffled by how characters in novels who get transmigrated easily accept their new reality and move on with their lives.
"What do I want?" I pondered, my mind filled with uncertainty. Back in my previous world, I wanted a good job to support my family and feel loved. But here, in this new reality, what was my desire? Survival seemed to be the only option, and to achieve that, I needed to be strong, but why? There was no one to protect, and my future was a blank canvas.
"Maybe I'll find my purpose in the future, and to achieve it, I must grow strong," I resolved after a self-dialogue, deciding to focus on my future plans. With two weeks before I must attend the academy, I knew I needed to become as strong as possible. Skills and a sword art would be crucial, especially since the academy had its share of arrogant young masters.
After freshening up and donning new clothes, I stepped out of my apartment, realizing I hadn't explored beyond these walls since arriving here. I discovered that the body I inhabited belonged to an orphan, and this apartment was a part of his inheritance left behind by his parents. My bank account held 15,000 Union Credits (UC), enough for a decent G-rank sword. However, possessing a sword alone wouldn't be enough to conquer a G-rank dungeon with my lack of fighting experience.
Exiting my apartment, I came face to face with the world's inhabitants, each looking like supermodels that could have been celebrities in my previous world. In this reality, however, they were considered average-looking.
The futuristic scenery left me in awe as I made my way to the nearest train station using my Z-watch for directions. The train ride to the Wolfbeek Forest, where the G-rank dungeon was located, was mesmerizing, showcasing flying trains and teleportation portals.
Arriving at my destination, I wasted no time and applied for a hunter's license at the reception desk. All government-handled dungeons required specific rank requirements, which I passed. The stalls surrounding the area tempted me with various goods, but I knew that the hidden skill inside the dungeon was more valuable.
To ensure my safety, I decided to hire a guide to accompany me. Guides were trustworthy individuals, monitored by the government, making it a secure investment, even if it consumed a significant portion of my UC.
As I waited, a kind-eyed, blonde-haired boy named Jamie introduced himself as my F-rank guide. We set off towards the dungeon, where Jamie explained the challenges we'd face - packs of wolves with razor-sharp claws and powerful bites.
Inside the dungeon, the beauty of the forest struck me, akin to a fairytale. However, the enchantment faded as Jamie reminded me to remain vigilant. Moments later, our first encounter with three wolves unfolded.
The wolves surrounded Jamie, oblivious to my presence. Watching Jamie's graceful maneuvers and swift strikes, I mustered the courage to face the wolves myself. The fight was intense, but with Jamie's guidance and his spare sword, I managed to defeat them, boosting my confidence for future encounters.
"Did you see that?" Jamie encouraged me. "You'll be ready to take on the next wolves we encounter."
"Alright," I responded, determined to grow stronger in this novel world and face whatever challenges lay ahead.