The screech of tires skidding across asphalt still echoed in Kaelien Drakarth's mind. Everything had happened so fast. A car out of control, shards of glass flying in every direction, and the intense pain that shot through his body. Then, nothing. Just a feeling of cold, followed by silence and darkness. That was how Kaelien's life had ended: without warning, brutally, and without glory. A death as mundane as it was unfair for someone who had survived far worse in his life.
But now, something felt wrong.
He opened his eyes suddenly, expecting to see the harsh lights of an emergency room, or perhaps something more grim. Instead, what he saw was something entirely different. He was lying in the middle of a vast forest, surrounded by towering trees that stretched towards a clear blue sky, far from anything he knew. The smell of damp earth and fresh leaves filled his nostrils. Everything seemed strangely more… alive. The colors were more vivid, the sounds more distinct. Every detail around him pulsed with an unfamiliar energy, something he had never experienced before.
Kaelien sat up slowly, his mind still clouded. "Where am I?" he thought, glancing around at his surroundings. The forest was dense but oddly soothing in an inexplicable way. He had never seen a place so... perfect. Yet, there was something about this perfection that felt almost unreal.
Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind. Cold, mechanical, yet oddly familiar.
[ Welcome, Kaelien Drakarth. ]
He frowned, looking around. He saw no one, but he knew that the voice wasn't a figment of his imagination. It was very real.
After a moment, he realized what was happening. After all, he had read countless stories of protagonists who died and were transmigrated to new worlds, often with a system by their side. A small smile appeared on his lips.
"So, I'm dead."
[ Yes. This world is your new reality. ]
Kaelien didn't respond. The world he had lived in before didn't matter anymore. He was dead, and he had already accepted that. But this world… Was it heaven? Or perhaps another plane of existence?
The voice continued [ In this world, you possess immense power, and you are bound to a System that will allow you to achieve almost anything you desire. You are far stronger than any living being here. ]
A sensation of warmth and power flooded through his body. He could feel this energy coursing through his veins, like an uncontrollable force ready to explode at any moment. His analytical mind began assessing the situation. He had been transported to a new world with a powerful body and an unknown power.
"What do you mean by 'immense power'?" he thought, though he already knew he might not even need to ask the question.
A translucent panel suddenly appeared in front of him, floating in the air, filled with information he instantly understood.
---
[ Status ]
- Name : Kaelien Drakarth
- Species : Human
- Strength : Level 10 (Max Level)
- Speed : Level 10 (Max Level)
- Cultivation : Celestial Peak
- Skills : One with the World (the world bends to your will)
---
A smirk tugged at Kaelien's lips. He had never craved grandeur or excessive ambition, but knowing he possessed such power in this world was ironically satisfying. A man like him, who had spent his life avoiding unnecessary conflict, now found himself endowed with near-limitless power. It wasn't a gift he had sought, but now that he had it, he could do as he pleased with it.
[ You also have the ability to recruit up to twelve individuals, who will serve and help you expand your influence, should you wish. ]
Kaelien gazed at the floating panel before him. Recruiting people? That sounded like something others might find exciting, but for him… He saw it mostly as a pastime. If he was to remain in this world, why not have a bit of fun? He didn't need to dominate anyone, but watching talented people fight for their place in this world while he stayed in the shadows could be entertaining.
"System, don't you usually give missions or objectives?" he asked.
The voice responded without hesitation [ You have no predefined objective. You are free to do as you wish. You are one of the most powerful cultivators in this world, free to intervene or remain in the background. The choice is yours. ]
Kaelien took a deep breath. He didn't feel constrained, and that was exactly what he liked. Having power without being forced to use it. It was the perfect situation for him. He could simply remain in the shadows, watch the people of this world, and only get involved if something truly piqued his interest.
He stood up, brushing the dust off his dark clothes. The forest seemed silent, but now, he could perceive every subtle movement. The energy permeating this place seemed to respond to him, as if he was already an integral part of this world. He knew that, if he wished, he could destroy everything or control it all.
But that wasn't his style.
"Well then, let's observe this world for a while " he murmured to himself.
He decided to walk through the forest, with no specific goal in mind. There was no need to rush. He had all the time he wanted. The people here had no idea of his presence, and he preferred it that way. If he had been granted so much power, it might be for a reason, but he didn't feel any urgency. Not yet.
He smiled. With the System by his side, capable of monitoring this world, recruiting talented individuals, and distributing rewards, Kaelien had everything he needed to keep himself entertained.
And for now, that was enough.