The forest was silent as I made my way back to the village, my mind still buzzing with the events of the past few days. The discovery of the venomous bite, the strange herbs that healed it, and the wary respect I was beginning to earn—it was all coming together. I'd never intended to become a healer in this world, yet that was exactly what I was becoming.
But something was bothering me. Every night since that encounter with the venomous plant, I'd been plagued by dreams. They were vivid, showing images of items and tools I hadn't seen since arriving here—things from my own world: a small bottle of antiseptic, a scalpel, even a humble bandage roll. These were things I'd once taken for granted, but here, they would be worth more than gold. They were a lifeline.
I tried to brush it off as simple nostalgia, a longing for the familiar. But the dreams persisted, each night more intense. Then, on the fifth night after the venom incident, something changed.
As I lay asleep in my small hut, the dream came again, but this time it felt different, more tangible. I was in a space without form or color, an endless void. A single word echoed in the darkness: "System."
Confused, I tried to move, but I was bound in place. Slowly, lines of text appeared before me, glowing with a faint light.
> "System initializing... binding host... calibrating access to [Doctor's Knowledge]…"
I blinked, trying to understand. "System? What system?"
The words shifted, forming a new line.
> "Welcome, host. You have been selected as the wielder of the [Knowledge Integration System]."
The text paused, giving me a moment to absorb the information.
> "This system provides tools, knowledge, and resources from your original world to assist in your survival and growth. As you complete objectives, you will receive items and knowledge unavailable in this time."
My heart raced. I had never been one for fantasies, but this was something different. If this was real, then it meant I wasn't alone here. I had access to resources that could transform my situation entirely. I tried to focus, steadying my thoughts.
"What kind of resources?" I asked, my voice strangely steady.
Another line appeared.
> "Rewards will include basic medical supplies, tools, and other items deemed essential for your progress. Complete objectives to unlock these items. Failure to complete objectives may result in system shutdown."
The mention of "shutdown" left a cold feeling in the pit of my stomach. I had no idea what "shutdown" might entail, but the thought of losing this mysterious ally felt like losing a lifeline I hadn't even fully grasped.
"Can you give me an example?" I asked, testing my connection to this strange entity.
The text shifted again.
> "Sample reward: Basic Surgical Kit (Scalpel, Forceps, Sutures). This item can be unlocked upon completion of your first objective."
A surgical kit. I could feel my hands itching at the thought. Even a basic set of tools would allow me to treat wounds with precision, to work in ways the people of this world could barely imagine. I wanted it—badly.
> "Additional rewards may include: antiseptics, advanced herbs, medical textbooks, diagnostic tools, and other items based on your level of progress."
I stared at the words, realizing the potential here. If this system could truly provide tools and knowledge from my world, then I had a means to elevate my practice beyond anything this village had ever seen. But I knew there had to be a catch.
"What's the cost?" I asked, half-dreading the answer.
> "This system operates on a quest-based format. Complete each objective to unlock a reward. You will be notified when a quest becomes available. Failure to complete a quest will result in restricted access."
It sounded simple enough, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it. Still, the promise of tools and knowledge outweighed the risks, at least for now.
"Understood," I replied. "So, when will I receive my first quest?"
> "Standby mode engaged. You will be alerted when a quest becomes available. Good luck, host."
With that, the void dissolved, and I awoke in my hut, the first light of dawn filtering through the window. I sat up, my heart racing as I looked around. Everything was as it had been the night before, but somehow, everything felt different. The memories of the system's words were still clear in my mind.
Was it real? Or had I finally lost my mind from exhaustion and stress?
Just then, something caught my eye—a faint shimmer on the rough wooden table beside my bed. I reached out, my fingers brushing against a small object that hadn't been there the night before. It was a single sterile bandage, perfectly wrapped, just like the ones I'd used countless times in my old clinic.
My heart skipped a beat. The system was real.
I carefully pocketed the bandage, understanding that it was a small taste of what was to come. My mind filled with possibilities. I was no longer just a doctor from another world; I was now bound to something greater, something that had the potential to change everything.
And with this system, I knew I was on the edge of something powerful. I just had to be ready when the first quest came.