Lucius opened his eyes, greeted by a tranquil and unfamiliar environment. The absence of the sun and the unusual illumination surrounding him left him puzzled.
He looked down and found that his clothes had been swapped for black pants and a white t-shirt, which only added to his confusion.
When he attempted to move, he realized that his body was unresponsive, except for his ability to turn his head.
Frustration and curiosity welled up within him, and he shouted out, desperate for answers. However, his voice dissolved into silence.
In the distance, a second 'ding' resonated through the air, capturing his attention. He squinted, focusing on an unmistakably non-human figure. Blinking repeatedly, he struggled to comprehend the surreal reality before him.
In the distance, he spotted a figure with green skin, standing about four feet tall. The creature had a hunched posture and small limbs, with smooth skin, showing no visible scars.
The creature gripped a rusty sword in its small hands, the blade showing signs of wear and neglect. The edges had dulled over time, and patches of rust on its surface. The hilt, wrapped in worn leather, hinted at its makeshift origin.
With a menacing grin that revealed sharp, yellowed teeth, the creature exuded an air of malice. Its small round eyes glinted with a cruel intelligence as if sizing up Lucius, considering the potential for an easy victory.
Floating above its head, a name appeared in red letters: "[Goblin Lvl 1]." It was clear that he had been transported to a realm filled with fantastical beings.
Just as confusion threatened to overwhelm him, a resonant voice echoed in his mind, shattering the silence and bringing clarity to the moment.
["Welcome to the New World," the voice proclaimed, its tone robotic yet commanding.]
["You have entered a realm where every human starts with the same stats, but it is up to you to change your destiny," the voice conveyed, its words resonating within his mind.]
It emphasized the significance of his choices, highlighting that they would determine the path he would walk and the outcomes he would experience.
[The voice continued, its tone firm and resolute. "Your choices will lead you to another path, one that will shape your journey in this World. You alone will bear the responsibility for your successes and failures."]
With these words, a panel materialized in front of him, displaying his stats and attributes.
[Status Panel]
[Name: Lucius Maxwell]
[Age 36/200]
[Level 1 EXP 0/100]
[HP 100/100]
[MP 100/100]
[Free Attributes 10][LOCKED]]
[Strength 10]
[Health 10]
[Agility 10]
[Intelligence 10]
[Mana 10]
Skills
Gold
Hearing the voice announcing the unlocking of the inventory and the opportunity to choose a weapon, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled him.
The floating weapons, each labeled with their names and described by the voice, formed a mesmerizing display before him.
A window popped up, displaying more detailed information about each weapon, providing insights into their unique characteristics, strengths, and potential uses.
Lucius had five minutes to make his decision, knowing that his choice would shape his journey and the path he would take in this new world.
The longsword is a versatile melee weapon known for its balance of power and precision. It offers a straightforward approach to combat, enabling him to engage enemies up close.
The bow and 12 arrows, a ranged weapon that provides the advantage of attacking foes from a distance. It emphasizes precision and agility, offering the potential for critical strikes and strategic positioning.
The magic staff, is a conduit for arcane energies, enabling one to tap into the powers of magic. It offered a wide range of spells and abilities, allowing for versatile spellcasting and support.
The sword and shield, a combination that emphasized defensive capabilities and resilience. It provided a balanced approach, enabling it to both withstand enemy attacks and deliver precise strikes.
The daggers are nimble and stealthy weapons favored by those who excel in close-quarters combat. They emphasized speed, agility, and the ability to exploit vulnerabilities with swift, deadly strikes.
The holy symbol, a sacred relic imbued with divine power. It allowed him to channel healing and protective energies, making it a valuable support asset in battle.
As the time ticked down, Lucius made his decision and chose the longsword, drawing upon his experience in Kendo. The familiarity and comfort of the weapon gave him a small measure of confidence.
["You have picked the longsword," the voice confirmed, its tone resolute].
["Your Free Attributes, a total of 10 points, will be unlocked after killing the goblin."]
A sense of anticipation and gravity filled the air as a large countdown clock materialized, its numbers rapidly decreasing from 60 seconds to 0.
Lucius knew that this was not a mere game or simulation—it was a real-life battle, a matter of life or death.
With each second, he mentally prepared himself for the imminent confrontation.
He focused and sharpened his skills, understanding that the encounter with the goblin would demand his utmost determination.
As the clock reached zero, the goblin let out a furious scream, its rage fueling its charge. Lucius braced himself, his grip tightening around the hilt of the longsword.
As the goblin approached in frenzy, its swing of the sword met with Lucius's block, their clash resounding through the air.
The goblin, driven by rage and relentless energy, intensified its attacks, striking at random with increasing speed. Lucius found himself pushed to his limits, struggling to anticipate and parry the frenzied onslaught.
In a moment of vulnerability, the goblin's strike found its mark, cutting into Lucius's leg and drawing blood.
The pain spread through his body, grounding him in the reality of the situation. The realization hit him hard—this was not a game, it was a battle for survival.
Taking a deep breath, his inner strength surged. He cast aside any doubt or hesitation, fully aware that his life depended on his actions.
With a renewed focus, he retaliated, slashing at the goblin's sword with precision and force. The goblin staggered backwards, momentarily disarmed.
Despite the worry in his heart, he put on a resolute face as he seized the opportunity. With a swift and decisive motion, he brought down his longsword, severing the goblin's arm.
A shriek of pain echoed through the air as green blood spilled from its arm. The sight made him grim, his white clothes now tainted with the goblin's lifeblood.
Without hesitation, he pressed forward, delivering a final thrust that pierced the goblin's heart.
The creature dropped to the ground, lifeless. Kneeling beside the fallen goblin, he took deep breaths, the weight of the battle settling upon him.
Aware that he had taken another being's life, apart from the animals he had hunted in the past, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
Yet, he knew that now was not the time to dwell on it. Survival in this unfamiliar world required him to confront difficult choices and face the harsh realities that lay ahead.
The system appeared with changes.
[Status Panel]
[Name: Lucius Maxwell]
[Age 36/200]
[Level 1 Exp 10/100]
[HP 95/100]
[MP 100/100]
[Free Attributes 10]
[Strength 10]
[Health 10]
[Agility 10]
[Intelligence 10]
[Mana 10]
Skills
Gold 1
First, he gained 10 experience points and 1 gold for successfully killing the goblin. Also, with the victory came the unlocking of his Free Attributes, signaling his growth.
The wound inflicted by the goblin's strike caused his HP (Health Points) to drop by 5, serving as a reminder of the dangers that awaited him in this unfamiliar realm.
As Lucius caught his breath and contemplated his next move, a resounding robotic voice echoed once again. ["Teleport to [Grassy Meadows]''
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[Greetings Readers, Small Note]: I have been working on something, and it's finally done. I have put the map of the first zone; feel free to check it out in the auxiliary chapters. It contains a small sneak peak of what will happen in the later chapters!