With shaky legs, Koy ventured deeper into the forest. He stumbled through the underbrush, unsure of where he was heading but driven by a singular goal. After what felt like hours of wandering, he found a small clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. It was serene, and for a moment, he almost forgot he was now a goblin.
Then, something strange happened. A holographic screen flickered to life in front of him, shimmering with ethereal light. Koy blinked in disbelief. Was this some kind of magic? He leaned closer to examine the floating text.
Welcome to the Goblin System!
Level: 1
Experience: 0/100
Quest: Survive Your First Day (0/1)
Rewards: 50 Experience Points, Basic Skill Unlock
"Survive my first day? Seriously?" Koy snorted, bemused. "That's the best they can do? I'm a goblin, and my first quest is to not get eaten!"
His heart raced as he absorbed the information. If he completed the quest, he could gain experience and possibly level up. The idea of leveling up was exhilarating; in his old life, he had always yearned for more power. He could feel the determination rising again. If there was a way to grow stronger, he would seize it.
"Okay, System," Koy said, feeling a grin spread across his face. "Let's do this. What's my first step?"
Quest Update: Find Food and Shelter
He glanced around the clearing, assessing his options. Finding food in the forest was a priority. Koy remembered reading about edible plants in survival novels. A few minutes of searching yielded some small berries. He cautiously tasted one and was pleasantly surprised by the sweet flavor.
Feeling emboldened, Koy gathered as many berries as he could and tucked them away in the rag he was wearing. It wasn't much, but it was a start. Next, he needed shelter. He scanned the area and noticed a hollow tree nearby. It looked big enough to fit a goblin, so he headed over and squeezed inside.
The inside was cramped and dark, but it would do for now. Koy sat against the wall and closed his eyes, breathing deeply. He could feel the system humming in his mind, a constant reminder of the journey ahead. He would not just survive; he would thrive.