Byron's eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the dimly lit room. The stench of old blankets and musty air filled his senses. Confusion set in as he realized he was lying in a narrow bed surrounded by other creaky cots. The murmurs of distant conversations echoed through the cold stone walls.
A gruff voice pierced through the background noise, "Oi, Byron, you lazy git! Get up! You're out!"
Byron's gaze met the stern face of the caretaker, Mrs. Thompson, whose disdainful eyes bore into his soul. Before he could gather his bearings, the caretaker continued, "You're eighteen now, and we don't want freeloaders. Pack your things and leave."
Memories flooded back, the hard years of working dirty jobs for the orphanage, the weight of the novels he'd escape into every night. A bittersweet nostalgia settled over him. He had died reading one of those novels, a victim of the infamous Truck-kun, only to wake up in this unfamiliar body.
As he stood at the orphanage's entrance, the world outside seemed both vast and daunting. The cold wind bit at his cheeks, emphasizing the harsh reality of his situation. That's when it happened – a surge of warmth radiated from within him, and an ethereal interface materialized in his mind.
System Initialized
User: Byron
Reality Points (RP): 100
Byron blinked in disbelief. The system from his wildest dreams, granting him the power to reshape reality. And with it came his first quest:
Quest 1: Embark on the Path of an Adventurer
Objective: Register as an adventurer at the Guild
Reward: 5 RP
Determination fueled his steps as he navigated the cobblestone streets toward the Adventurer's Guild. The town unfolded before him, revealing the diverse tapestry of life. Merchants haggled, children played, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
The guild's entrance was marked by a weathered wooden sign that creaked in the wind. Byron pushed open the door to find a bustling interior, adventurers of all shapes and sizes mingling. The receptionist, a middle-aged woman with an air of authority, eyed him curiously as he approached.
"Name?" she inquired, her pen poised above a parchment.
"Byron," he replied, feeling the weight of the name on his tongue.
"Age?"
"Eighteen."
The assistant, known as Elara, asked more questions during the sign-up process, delving into Byron's past experiences and aspirations. "Any particular skills or talents you bring to the guild, Byron?"
His mind flashed back to the orphanage, where he'd honed skills in cooking, cleaning, and other practical tasks. "Well, I've picked up a few useful skills from the jobs I did back at the orphanage. Cooking, cleaning, and other odd jobs."
Elara nodded, making notes on her parchment. "Very well. Now, place your hand on this orb. It will reveal your basic stats and skills."
Byron extended his hand over the shimmering orb, its surface responding to his touch. A holographic display materialized, revealing his stats:
Stats:
STR (Strength): 5
INT (Intelligence): 6
DEX (Dexterity): 4
AGL (Agility): 3
Skills:
Cooking: Level 3 (Intermediate)
Cleaning: Level 4 (Intermediate)
Handyman: Level 2 (Beginner)
Elara studied the display. "Not bad, Byron. Seems you've got a knack for practical skills. Now, welcome to the Adventurer's Guild. Your journey begins here."
With the registration complete, Byron left the guild, concealing his newfound power. His experiences had taught him to keep his abilities hidden, a lesson that would serve him well in this new world.
Using his points discreetly, he secured a room at a nearby inn. The innkeeper, a portly man named Gruff, handed him a worn key. Byron climbed the creaking stairs to his room, feeling a sense of privacy he hadn't known in years. As the door closed behind him, he allowed himself a moment of solitude.
Unseen by others, he began to utilize his reality points.
Spent: 50 RP
His physique transformed, muscles toning beneath his caramel-toned skin. His clothes upgraded to a more practical and stylish ensemble, reflecting the adventurer he aspired to become. A short sword materialized at his side, accompanied by light armor that offered both protection and agility. Byron admired his reflection in the small inn mirror, the change subtle but significant.
With his belongings in tow, Byron set out under the moonlit sky. The shadows of the past lingered, but a newfound determination burned within him. As he embarked on the path of an adventurer, he carried the weight of two lives, vowing to make the most of this second chance in a world filled with endless possibilities.