[Player Name: William Wallace]
[Player ID: 049]
[Level: 1]
[Channel: None]
[Status: Advent Body (Weak)]
William stared at his status panel, frustration bubbling inside him. All his meticulous preparations had crumbled to dust. Now, here he stood, clothed in coarse, scratchy linen that made him look less like a hero and more like a medieval farmer lost in time.
He was standing at a desolate crossroads, with no clear sense of direction. The wilderness stretched out before him like an empty canvas, and he had no idea which path might lead to salvation or doom.
But the worst part? His current physical condition was abysmal. He grimaced as he looked again at the stats that mocked him.
[Physique: 0.2 (0.8)]
His body felt as fragile as these numbers suggested. Physique governed his health, strength, agility, and reflexes, and right now, he barely had enough to stand upright.
[Spirit: 1.2 (1.5)]
Spirit; his mental sharpness, willpower, and focus; was marginally better. But even then, he wasn't close to full capacity.
[Energy: 0.7 (0.9)]
Energy, the reservoir of life force that powered his actions, was depleted. These numbers in brackets showed his potential, but right now, that potential felt laughably distant.
His physical fitness was near rock bottom, and his heart sank further. No beginner guides, no helpful tips, no welcoming gift packs, not even a friendly NPC to offer him guidance. He didn't even know where he was, let alone what he was supposed to do.
[Your talent is in the awakening state, talent details are being determined...]
This small flicker of hope was quickly interrupted.
[Talent: Killing to prove the truth (Every time you kill a living being, you can gain a slight improvement based on the life characteristics of the killed being)]
A chill crept up William's spine. Kill to improve? He could almost hear a dark laugh echoing in the back of his mind. Everything about this world was unsettling, from its cruel rules to its unforgiving atmosphere.
He had no clue who he really was. No clue where he was. The only thing he knew for certain was that he needed to kill to survive.
But looking at his laughable physique stat, his confidence drained. He was in no shape to fight, much less kill. His throat tightened, his stomach turning in knots. This wasn't just weakness, it was complete helplessness. His current body, broken and frail, mirrored his situation perfectly.
"I am so screwed," he muttered to himself, the words bitter on his tongue.
Desperate, he checked his panel again. There had to be something he could use. Anything. But his options were painfully bleak.
[Skill Bar: Empty]
[Backpack: Empty]
[Map: Greyed out]
He stared at the greyed-out map, feeling as if it reflected his bleak and uncertain future. There was nothing. No skills to rely on, no items to help him, and no guidance on where to go. He was utterly alone in this cold, unforgiving world.
Only the mission log offered the smallest shred of information:
[Main Quest: Stop the Black Forest catastrophe and help the border town overcome difficulties]
[Failure penalty: All internal test players will be killed]
[Completion Reward: Sequence Game Enters Semi-Public Beta Stage]
William's mouth twitched in disbelief. What kind of insane quest was this? If he failed, he died. If he succeeded… well, there didn't seem to be much in it for him. No tangible rewards, no glory, just a vague promise of the game moving to the next phase.
"Great. Just great," he muttered sarcastically. "Most games use a carrot and stick approach. This one just skips the carrot and beats you with the stick."
Sighing, William took a deep breath and looked around again. The wilderness still stretched endlessly, and his body still felt like it was on the verge of collapse. But one thing was clear, if he wanted to survive, he'd have to fight. He'd have to kill.
And even though his stats were pathetic and his future seemed grim, William clenched his fists.
"I'll survive," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. "I have to."
There was no other option.
There was no consideration for William's feelings; let alone the duck's.
Player number 049. High enough to feel important, yet the three-digit code suggested there couldn't be more than a thousand of them. That meant he was part of an elite, right? But what did that matter if he had no clue where he was or what he was supposed to be doing?
He scanned the horizon, brow furrowed. The sky hung low, dull and heavy with clouds that threatened to unleash something ominous. The wilderness around him was bleak, the ground uneven with rolling hills. In the distance, a dark forest loomed, shrouded in mist. It looked like some ancient, sleeping beast just waiting for the right moment to awaken.
The Black Forest? Border Town? William thought, confused. There was nothing here but emptiness. He stood at what he assumed was a main crossroads, the dirt road stretching in four directions. The paths bore the marks of frequent use, but no one was in sight. Surely, if this was some important intersection, he should see other players or even NPCs milling about, right?
But no. The world was eerily silent.
"This can't be a starting area. No way," William muttered to himself. There were no signs of other players, no bustling beginner's village, no safe zone. Was his spawn point random? That seemed unfair, but this game wasn't playing by the usual rules, was it?
William tried to shake off the growing dread. Normally, he was the kind of guy who embraced the chaos, risky, reckless, the kind to rush into fights just to see what would happen. But this? This was different. This body, this advent body he had, wasn't just some disposable avatar. It was linked to his real self. If it was destroyed, would he be destroyed too? The thought made him shiver.
This wasn't just about grinding levels and loot anymore. It was about survival.
The game didn't even have the courtesy to give him a beginner's sword. He was completely unarmed, with no guide, no clue, and no safety net. This wasn't just hard mode; it was brutal.
As he stood lost in thought, something moved at the edge of his vision. Down the road, a small figure appeared, bouncing lightly as it approached. William squinted, trying to make out the shape.
A little girl?
The game's system chimed in with a message that made his stomach drop.
[Hint: You have met Little Red Riding Hood.]
William froze, the name ringing bells from countless fairy tales and a game he vaguely remembered: Magic Century. A strange grin tugged at his lips as the situation turned even weirder. Little Red Riding Hood? Really?
The girl came closer, her red velvet hood unmistakable. She looked impossibly innocent, with blonde hair framing a cherubic face and wide red eyes that sparkled with curiosity. She couldn't have been more than seven or eight years old, and yet here she was, alone, skipping through the wilderness with a basket in her hands.
William stopped her at the crossroads, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Uh, Little Red Riding Hood, where are you headed?"
The girl stopped, blinking at him in surprise. Her gaze was sharp for someone so young. "How did you know my name is Little Red Riding Hood? I've never seen you before."
She looked him up and down, her expression a mix of confusion and caution. William's heart skipped a beat, and not just from the strangeness of the encounter. This world seemed far too real, far too layered.
The system chimed in again.
[Hint: Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother is not in good health, and she wants to bring her some tonic.]
William coughed lightly, trying to sound casual. "Oh, I've, uh, heard of you, Little Red Riding Hood. The villagers, you know…" He let the sentence trail off, hoping that would be enough to win her trust. "Actually, I'm a little lost. And… I'm not feeling too well."
He shot her a pleading look, knowing he was placing his hopes on the kindness of a child. His situation was beyond desperate, and even though asking for help from a little girl wasn't his proudest moment, he didn't have many options. His legs were weak, his stats pathetic, and he felt like he might collapse after just a few more steps. This wasn't the time for pride.
Little Red Riding Hood tilted her head, seemingly weighing his words, and then smiled sweetly. "I can help! But first, I have to deliver this to my grandmother."
Relief washed over William. Though the situation was absurd, at least he had found someone willing to help him. He couldn't afford to be picky. Better to stick close to Little Red Riding Hood for now than wander aimlessly in this grim landscape.
As they started walking, William couldn't help but think of an old saying: The emperor died before completing his great mission. Right now, he felt like that tragic emperor, caught in a dangerous game with no map and no sword.
His quest had barely begun, but the stakes were already impossibly high.
Little Red Riding Hood gave William a puzzled, almost mocking look. "What does your getting lost have to do with me? Why should I help you?"
William was taken aback. He stared at the velvet red hat perched on the blonde loli's head, then glanced again at the label hovering over her that clearly read Little Red Riding Hood.
"Isn't this child supposed to be innocent and gullible?" he thought, confused. "Why is she acting so different from what I know?"
His head swam with exhaustion, his energy levels dangerously low. He didn't have time to ponder her strange attitude; he needed help, fast. Forget pride. Right now, survival was his only priority. He softened his voice, adopting the tone of a cunning wolf trying to charm a naive child.
"Little Red Riding Hood, be a good girl," he cooed. "Please, help me... or I might die."
Without missing a beat, Little Red Riding Hood waved him off casually. "Then just stay away from me."
She turned and skipped merrily toward the forest.
William nearly choked on his own breath, his eyes wide with disbelief. Is this girl really just going to let me die?
Desperate, he shouted after her, "Wait! Little Red Riding Hood, if you help me, I'll help you too. How about I tell you a story?"
She paused, glancing back with a scornful smirk. "You think I'm a three-year-old or something?"
Frantically, William darted in front of her to block her path. "It's not just any story," he said quickly. "It's a story about you."
Her crimson eyes flickered with curiosity. She tilted her head slightly, considering his words. "A story about me?" she echoed, intrigued. "Then tell me."
William shook his head, trying to bargain. "Not until you help me first."
Little Red Riding Hood huffed in irritation, crossing her arms. But the curiosity got the better of her, and she eyed him up and down, clearly skeptical of his intentions. Finally, after a tense moment, she relented.
She reached into her basket, rummaging around, before pulling out a gleaming red apple. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed it straight into William's arms. "Here," she muttered with a haughty sniff. "Eat it now."
William blinked at the apple in his hands, momentarily thrown by her imperious attitude. This wasn't the innocent Little Red Riding Hood from the fairy tale; no, this girl had an air of arrogance about her, from the way she refused to make eye contact to the condescending twist of her lips. She was far from naïve.
"Is this... poisoned?" he asked cautiously, eyeing the apple warily.
Little Red Riding Hood scoffed, her expression a mixture of amusement and disdain. "You think someone as insignificant as you is worth poisoning?" She gave him a haughty smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This apple is for my grandmother. You're lucky I'm even letting you eat it."
This kid is really something else, William thought, shaking his head in disbelief. But desperate times called for desperate measures.
He took a bite of the apple, the crisp skin cracking under his teeth, releasing sweet, refreshing juice that revived him almost instantly.
[Hint: You used Little Red Riding Hood's magic apple, and your physical fitness value has slightly recovered]
[Hint: Your physical value +0.01, +0.01, +0.01...]
With each bite, William could feel strength returning to his weary limbs. His eyes widened in pleasant surprise. The apple was acting like a health potion! He devoured it quickly, not even pausing to savor the taste.
[Hint: You used the magic apple, physical fitness 0.2→0.5]
[Tip: Your energy limit has been slightly increased]
As he wiped his mouth, he could feel the life surging back into him. His energy had shot up by 0.3, and his condition had improved from near-fatal to something much more manageable. He wasn't at full strength, but it was enough to keep him going for now, enough to give him hope.
William looked at Little Red Riding Hood's basket, eyes sparkling. If one apple had done all that, then her basket was a veritable treasure trove of life-saving goodies. He couldn't help but lick his lips at the thought.
But before he could make another move, Little Red Riding Hood shot him a sharp look. "Don't even think about it," she said, her voice cold as ice. She clutched the basket close to her chest, eyes narrowing.
William sighed internally. He might've been saved for now, but dealing with this little girl was going to be far more complicated than he'd imagined.
"Tell me a story already!" Little Red Riding Hood huffed, stomping her small red leather boots with impatience.
William glanced at her, quickly realizing this girl wasn't as naive as he had hoped. Trying to think fast, he started with the only tale that came to mind. "Once upon a time, there was a Little Red Riding Hood, and she was on her way to her grandmother's house. On the way, she encountered a vicious, hungry wolf—"
"Hungry wolf?" Little Red Riding Hood's eyes narrowed suspiciously, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. She stared at William as if sizing him up. Is this guy making fun of me?
William swallowed hard, sensing he might have hit a nerve. "Not me! Definitely not me," he stammered, waving his hands defensively. "Little Red Riding Hood, beware of wolves, that's all I'm saying."
But for some reason, Little Red Riding Hood's cheeks puffed up in irritation. She glared at him and snapped, "And what should I do if I meet a wolf, huh?"
"Uh... well, in the story, she finds a hunter to help," William muttered, trying to recall the fairy tale. Just as he finished speaking, he heard a low, menacing sound; the unmistakable grinding of teeth.
"Do you think I look like a wolf?" Little Red Riding Hood asked in a chilling voice.
William froze. "What?" He blinked in confusion.
Then it happened. Right before his eyes, Little Red Riding Hood's appearance started to change. Her already crimson eyes darkened, glowing a blood-red that sent shivers down his spine. Her once innocent expression twisted into something far more feral.
Her lips stretched into a terrifying grin, revealing sharp, elongated fangs. Her once golden hair whipped about as if caught in an invisible wind, and a fine layer of fur began to spread across her skin. Her fingers stretched into wicked claws, and her red cloak swelled, making way for a tail that now swished behind her.
In a matter of seconds, she transformed from the sweet little girl into a terrifying wolf-girl, her presence so menacing it made William's blood run cold.
"What the hell?!" William gasped, his eyes nearly popping out of his head.
Little Red Riding Hood; no, the wolf-girl, threw her head back and let out a high-pitched howl that echoed through the air. The sound was oddly childish, yet powerful, sending shockwaves through the area. A wave of pressurized air radiated out from her, slamming into William's face like an invisible punch, leaving him feeling even more defenseless than before.
[Battle Tips: You are under pressure from Little Red Riding Hood. Your basic attributes are suppressed in all aspects.]
The wind whipped the white mist around them into a frenzy. William, with his relatively high spirit value, could feel it without needing the system's reminder; this Little Red Riding Hood was way out of his league.
[Game Tips: Your current level is low. It is recommended to stay in the safe zone and avoid provoking high-level enemies.]
[Game Tips: Please upgrade your level as soon as possible to cope with the main mission.]
William stood there, utterly stunned, as the reality of his situation sank in. This isn't the Little Red Riding Hood from the fairy tale! No, this was something else entirely. If the wolf from the story showed up now, it would probably be the one running away! Heck, even an elephant would think twice before messing with this girl!
What kind of twisted fairy tale am I in?! William thought, his mind racing. He almost wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all.
Little Red Riding Hood glared at him, her crimson eyes glowing with frustration. "If it wasn't for my grandma telling me not to hurt anyone, I would've torn you to pieces!" she snarled, her voice low and dangerous. "Remember this; you tease me again, and next time, I won't be so nice!"
She waved her wolfish claws threateningly, and for a second, William thought she might actually take a swipe at him. He instinctively took a step back, raising his hands in surrender.
"I... I didn't mean any harm!" William said hurriedly. "It was just a story, honest!"
Little Red Riding Hood wasn't convinced. She scowled, clearly still fuming. "You tricked me out of an apple, and that was for my grandma! How can you be so heartless?" Her tail swished angrily behind her, emphasizing her point.
William could only watch in disbelief. This girl isn't just strong, she's terrifying!
"Grandma was right," Little Red Riding Hood muttered under her breath as she stormed away, pulling her red hood back over her head. "Humans are all bad guys."
She was furious, convinced that William had disguised himself as an innocent passerby just to deceive her, an inexperienced young witch. Without a second glance, she picked up her basket and walked off, her small frame radiating anger as she disappeared into the trees.
William let out a deep sigh of relief, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead. That was way too close. He had narrowly escaped being torn to shreds by a girl who could turn into a wolf at will. What did I get myself into?
He couldn't help but feel conflicted. He had started off with good intentions, and yet somehow, he ended up looking like the villain. A liar, even. The whole situation was frustrating and left him at a loss for words.
At least the game hadn't forced him into certain death just yet. He figured he must've been dropped into a relatively safe area. After all, even though Little Red Riding Hood was terrifying, she didn't seem like a mindless monster, she followed some rules, like not harming others without reason. Maybe she was part of the "hero" camp after all, as much as that seemed hard to believe.
Still, William shuddered at the thought of how dangerous this world was. Even a little girl could turn into a werewolf and tear me apart if she wanted to.
Shaking his head, he decided to head in the direction Little Red Riding Hood had come from. Her grandmother lived in the forest, which meant there was likely a village nearby. I need to find civilization, he thought. Maybe then I can get my bearings.
"Let's go find a village," William muttered to himself as he set off down the road. He had no idea how long he walked, time seemed to blur as he moved along the quiet, desolate path. Eventually, though, signs of life began to appear. The traces of human activity were unmistakable: large swathes of farmland, farmers toiling under the sun, and the scent of earth hanging in the air.
Before him stretched a peaceful, idyllic village, straight out of a medieval scene.
[Map Tip: You have arrived at Moonlight Village.]
[Moonlight Village: An ordinary human settlement, part of a network of villages that defend the border town and serve as the kingdom's first line of defense.]
As soon as William reached the entrance of the village, he heard a loud, grating voice calling out from the nearby fields.
"Hey, you! Yeah, you! Where do you think you're coming from, outsider? Are you a spy from the bandits? Or maybe you're a servant of the dark magicians, eh? What are you doing in Moonlight Village? Plotting something nasty, I bet!"
[Hint: You have encountered the Scarecrow.]
William turned toward the sound and saw a ragged-looking scarecrow standing lopsided in the field. It was worn, with patches of straw sticking out from its body and several small holes where it had clearly been used for target practice. The sight was almost comical, yet here it was, somehow alive and accusing him of being a villain.
It wasn't just speaking, it was shouting at him, loud enough that the farmers in the nearby fields glanced over. But, to William's surprise, they didn't seem alarmed at all. In fact, they barely paid attention, as if this was an everyday occurrence. After a few seconds, they went back to their work, clearly used to the scarecrow's noisy antics.
It's a talking scarecrow, William thought, both fascinated and bewildered by the magical world he had found himself in. I guess that's normal here.
Smiling, he approached the scarecrow, deciding it was best to be friendly. "I'm from out of town," he said with a friendly wave. "What's your name?"
The scarecrow perked up, its tattered straw body shaking with excitement. "Name? You want to know my name? My name is Scarecrow!" it announced proudly, as if that were some grand title.
[Hint: The Scarecrow is a magical creature designed to protect the farmland. It possesses intelligence but remains stuck at the entrance of the village, exposed to the elements. It enjoys chatting with travelers, but the villagers have grown tired of its endless talking.]
So, it's a chatterbox, William thought, holding back a chuckle. The more he learned about this world, the stranger it became.
But for now, he couldn't afford to pass up an opportunity for information. He was a stranger in this land, and any knowledge could be useful. Besides, if the scarecrow liked to talk, William figured he might as well listen.
"Nice to meet you, Scarecrow," he said with a grin, hoping to strike up a conversation. "I could use some help around here. Mind if we chat for a bit?"