As I lay on my bed, the familiar hum of the world outside drifted through the window. The sky had turned to a deep indigo, sprinkled with stars that twinkled like distant dreams. Today had been a whirlwind of new experiences, each one more exhilarating than the last.
I smiled to myself, replaying the moments in my mind: making my first friend, feeling the buzz of school life, and laughing over lunch. It was all so new—making friends, attending lectures, sharing jokes. A warmth spread through me as I stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought.
Suddenly, the air shifted. A holographic window flickered to life in front of me, its neon edges glowing ominously. "What the—again?!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing off the walls.
"Is something wrong?" Gramps called out from the living room, his voice thick with concern, cutting through my moment of panic.
"N-nothing, old man!" I shot back, trying to mask the rising anxiety in my chest.
"Alright!" he replied, the sounds of the movie continuing as i recalled the first time i had gotten a challenge and the consequence of rejecting it.
The window shimmered, displaying the latest mission: Challenge Number Two: Run 10 Miles.
"Ugh! I'll have to do this!" I thought, recalling how I had failed to complete my first challenge and ended up in that strange place filled with knights ready to do me harm. The thought of facing them again sent a shiver down my spine.
I was determined not to let that happen again. Before I could second-guess myself, I glanced toward the door. Gramps was still watching his movie, blissfully unaware of my internal turmoil. I took a deep breath, trying to quell the rising panic. Wait… Gramps is outside. I can't go out this late! What do I do?
An idea struck me like a lightning bolt. I hurriedly grabbed my teddy bear and tucked it under the blanket, propping it up to look like I was fast asleep. Next, I rushed to my closet, pulling out a few pairs of clothes and tying their ends together, forming a makeshift rope.
My room was upstairs, and a quick glance out the window confirmed my plan. Thankfully, a dumpster sat conveniently below, its lid slightly ajar. I took a deep breath, my heart racing with excitement and fear, and secured the rope to the bedpost.
I climbed down the rope, feeling the fabric slip slightly beneath my fingers. When I reached the bottom, I jumped into the dumpster, landing with a muffled thud. A small victory, I thought, smiling to myself as I climbed out.
I stretched my limbs, feeling the night air cool against my skin. "Let's complete this," I whispered, determination setting in as I took off down the street.
The world around me buzzed with life. Shops still had their lights on, casting a warm glow that made the night feel alive. I felt the adrenaline pumping through my veins as I pushed myself, each step a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion.
The city was quieter now, but every sound—distant laughter, the hum of a passing car—spurred me on. I huffed and puffed, feeling the burn in my legs, but I kept going. I couldn't turn back; I needed to finish this challenge.
After what felt like hours, I finally stumbled to a halt. I dropped to the ground, panting heavily, my heart racing in my chest. "Oof, I'm tired," I gasped, lying on the bare road, staring up at the endless sky.
As I lay there, catching my breath, the holographic window flickered back to life in front of me. Challenge Completed! it declared, bright and triumphant. "Congratulations! You have received a Healing Portion."
I blinked, momentarily stunned. Without thinking, I instinctively checked my inventory. There it was—a small, glowing icon labeled Healing Portion.
With a mix of excitement and curiosity, I extended my hand into the hologram. As I pulled it back, I felt the 2D icon transform into a tangible 3D object in my palm. I examined it closely: a peculiar bottle with swirling colors that danced within its glass, glimmering under the streetlights.
"What in the world is this strange bottle?" I muttered to myself, turning it over, my curiosity piqued. I could almost feel a gentle warmth radiating from it, but before I could investigate further, a voice broke my concentration.
"What in the world is that?"
I jolted upright, instinctively hiding the bottle behind my back. My heart raced as I turned to see a girl standing a few feet away, her wide eyes sparkling with mischief.
"I saw you! There's no use hiding it; I know your secret now!" she said with a cheeky grin, leaning forward as if she were about to burst with laughter.
If i had known that she would son become the harbinger of ill fate i would've ran the other direction as soon as my eyes had met hers.