Vincent took ten minutes sitting by the boulder in silence as he was still processing what just happened. Him, dying? He still hasn't moved on to that thought. He wanted to, but living in an entirely different world doesn't invite much of an excitement to him despite gaining power of summoning weapons from his previous world, not to mention, people too.
It's a ridiculous thought, yet nonetheless a power that might help him in this world.
Eleven minutes later, he rose to his feet, and approached the remains of the helicopter.
As he got closer to it, he carefully ducked and slipped through the small opening of the wrecked fuselage. A thought came to mind.
How did the helicopter come along with him to this new world? Was it just a coincidence, or part of the mysterious being's plan? This question nagged at him as he sifted through the debris, looking for anything that might be of use.
Inside the helicopter he found a SIG Sauer M17 American, a Heckler & Koch G36, a knife, night vision goggles, and two magazines for the pistol and one magazine for the G36. He was surprised to find these items, wondering how they had survived the crash.
Vincent carefully inspected each weapon to ensure they were functional. There was no damage and he was glad there was none.
He tucked the SIG Sauer M17 American into his waistband with its two magazines. He carried the G36. He placed the night vision goggles on his forehead to use them when it got dark, and the knife was also secured in his waistband.
He also looked for a medical kit stowed somewhere in a compartment under the pilot's seat. He found it, thankfully intact. Inside the kit, there were bandages, antiseptic wipes, and some painkillers—essential supplies for any injuries he might sustain.
Feeling more prepared, Vincent decided to scout the area around the crash site. He needed to understand the landscape and find a safer place to set up a more permanent camp. With the night vision goggles ready on his forehead, he felt confident he could navigate the darkness.
He walked slowly, scanning the dense forest around him. The night was quiet except for the occasional rustle of leaves and distant animal calls. Using the night vision goggles, he could see through the darkness, which made him feel less vulnerable.
As he explored, Vincent kept an eye out for any signs of water—a stream or pond—which would be crucial for his survival. He also looked for signs of other people or creatures. So far, he had seen no one else, but he was on high alert.
After about an hour of cautious trekking, Vincent found a small clearing with a good view of the surrounding area. It seemed like a strategic spot to set up a camp. There were no immediate threats visible, and it provided some open space which would be advantageous for spotting any approach.
Suddenly– a distant cry pierced the quiet of the night. It sounded like a woman crying for help. He sat up, straining his ears to listen. The cry came again and it was desperate.
Vincent grabbed his G36 and slipped the night vision goggles over his eyes. He hesitated for a moment, considering the dangers of venturing out at night in an unknown world. But the cries sounded human, and he couldn't ignore someone in distress.
He moved quickly but cautiously, following the sound of the cries. The goggles allowed him to see through the darkness, but the dense foliage still made navigation difficult. As he moved, the cries grew louder, confirming he was heading in the right direction.
After several minutes of trekking through the thick underbrush, Vincent came upon a small clearing. There, he saw a woman, her clothes torn, sitting at the base of a tree. She was visibly shaken, sobbing and looking around frantically as if expecting some predator to emerge from the shadows.
Vincent approached slowly, making sure not to startle her. "Hey, it's okay, I'm not going to hurt you," he said in a calm voice, keeping his weapon lowered.
The woman looked up and shrieked, startled at first by his sudden appearance. Vincent quickly reassured her with a gentle tone.
"I'm here to help," he said softly.
As she calmed down, Vincent noticed her dress. It was a dirndl, a traditional dress that looked medieval. This puzzled him even more about the world he had landed in. Was this place a blend of different times and cultures?
Before Vincent could speak another, a voice called out from the darkness. "Well, well, what do we have here?"
Vincent turned quickly, his hand instinctively reaching for the G36 slung across his shoulder. Ten men emerged from the surrounding trees, each wearing ragged clothes and carrying makeshift weapons. They had sly, predatory smiles on their faces, eyeing Vincent and the woman with clear intent.
"Looks like we've found ourselves a stranger that found our precious goods, " one of the bandits said with a grin, stepping forward. The others chuckled.
From that alone, Vincent understood in an instant the situation. It seems that the woman is considered a commodity, meaning she's a slave or anything and she escaped from their watch.
"What kind of funny outfit and weapon is that?" said the man in the front, who seemed to be the leader.
Vincent ignored them and had his eyes fixed on the lady. "Are you hurt? Did they hurt you?"
The lady only nodded.
"Do you need my help?" Vincent asked.
Of course, he is just assuming what happened based on the available information. She may or may not need his help but whatever her answer is, he'd still help her. After all, she may be the key to learning more about this world.
The lady nodded again and a resolve within Vincent sparked, and the system prompted an announcement.
[New Mission: Damsel in Distress.]
[Kill the bandits and save the woman.]
[Rewards: 10,000 gold coins]
So that's the mission huh? It gives you this kind of quest and then when completed, it will give you a reward.
"Stay behind me," he instructed the woman, positioning himself between her and the bandits.
"Looks like you want to play hero," the leader sneered, waving his men forward. "Boys, teach him a lesson."
As the bandits approached, Vincent steadied his grip on the G36.
"Huh? What are you going to do with that sti—"
Before the bandit could even finish his sentence, a loud bang echoed through the clearing as Vincent fired a precise shot. The bandit in front fell instantly, a look of surprise frozen on his face as he hit the ground.
"What the heck just happened?" the leader exclaimed. Everything was too fast for him. First there was a flash of light erupting from the tip of the stick, and then something pierced his men's chest, killing them instantly.
The leader, now wide-eyed and terrified, watched as his men fell one by one as the tip of the stick flashed and flashed.
The remaining bandits, now realizing the seriousness of the threat Vincent posed, began to panic. Some tried to run, others clumsily returned fire with their arrows but Vincent's gun was too fast and accurate for them. Within moments, all the remaining bandits lay on the ground, either incapacitated or lifeless.
The leader, now alone and defenseless, dropped his weapon and fell to his knees. "Please, don't kill me," he pleaded, his voice shaking with fear.
Vincent approached him, his rifle still pointed at the man. "Why should I spare you?" Vincent asked sternly, his gaze unwavering.
"I... I was just following orders!" the leader stammered, trying to justify his actions.
"Orders that involve kidnapping and possibly killing?" Vincent replied coldly. "You have relinquished your right on mercy by your actions."
Upon saying that, Vincent pulled the trigger.
[Mission Complete: Damsel in Distress. Congratulations! Reward: 10,000 gold coins.]
[Mission completed! You have received 10,000 gold coins.]
[You have gained: 1,000 experience points!]
[You have gained: 5,000 gold coins!]
[Your level has risen to 2]
[Experience points: 1000/1,917]
[Current balance: 15,000 gold coins.]
As the mission ended, Vincent sighed, and then glanced over his shoulder where he now saw the lady he just saved staring blankly, as if shocked. Within seconds, she passed out.