A translucent black screen appeared in front of him without warning. Startled, Ephraim stared at it. The words on it were foreign yet somehow readable, as if his mind could naturally interpret them.
[First Kill Achieved]
[Status Page Unlocked]
He blinked, a surge of curiosity and excitement rising within him. "This feels like something out of a story," he thought, but the reality of the situation reminded him how serious it all was.
Tentatively, he wondered how to bring it up again. The phrase "Status Page" floated into his mind, like an instinct waiting to be triggered.
At that thought, a detailed display appeared, outlining his strengths and weaknesses. A quiet sense of pride mingled with a sobering realization: he'd need every advantage he could get to survive in this world.
[Name: Ephraim]
[Level: 1]
[Class: None]
[Race: Human]
[Title: None]
HP: 100
MP: None
Strength: 3
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 4
Endurance: 3
Luck: 3
Skills: None
The stats were simple but revealing—a snapshot of his current abilities. He studied the display, understanding that he'd need to improve these if he wanted to survive the challenges ahead.
"Hmm... simple, but easy to understand," Ephraim muttered, a small hint of satisfaction in his eyes.
His expression shifted to concern as he noted, "My stats are pretty low," brows knitting together in thought.
It made sense; his lifestyle back on Earth had never been demanding. Regular exercise and a structured diet were never part of his routine.
He exhaled, scanning the page again. "If I'm going to survive in this world, I'll need to find ways to raise these stats—and gain some skills." The realization weighed heavily on him, but a spark of determination lit up his eyes.
He wondered if normal exercises and a proper diet could also improve his stats. It seemed logical, even if he wasn't sure how much impact it would have.
As for leveling up by defeating monsters or other creatures to gain stats? That seemed like the most straightforward path to strength in this world. He knew he would eventually have to face that reality, so he didn't dwell on it too much.
Besides, he was too weak right now to be hunting monsters. Killing a goblin hadn't inflated his ego; instead, it made him more cautious. Even a goblin, a creature that had survived in this world far longer than he had, fell to him—a human with no fighting experience. What chance did he have if someone or something stronger decided to come after him, just as he had done to the goblin?
As these thoughts circled in his mind, Ephraim felt something stir deep within him—a presence awakening, an unfamiliar yet oddly familiar energy.
It was the black book from Earth, the one he had taken from the bookstore. Somehow, he knew it was the source of this sensation, possibly the reason he was brought to this world in the first place.
Suddenly, his status page flickered, shifting before his eyes. The once simple layout now had an intricate, darker design that echoed the mysterious patterns on the black book. As he scanned the display, he spotted something new.
[Name: Ephraim]
[Level: 1]
[Class: None]
[Race: Human]
[Title: None]
HP: 100
MP: None
Sanity: 85% (Stable)
Strength: 3
Agility: 5
Intelligence: 4
Endurance: 3
Luck: 3
Skills: Original Sin (Incomplete)
After the changes appeared on his status page, Ephraim felt the presence of the black book fade. It seemed to withdraw, settling deep within his consciousness and quietly absorbing some unknown energy.
He had no idea what kind of energy it was or how it worked, but for now, it appeared to be dormant.
"???" Ephraim blinked, momentarily puzzled. "What…? The new design does look cooler, but what's with this 'Sanity' stat? And what exactly is this 'Original Sin' skill?"
He frowned, trying to make sense of the additions. The Sanity stat felt unsettling; was this world so perilous that he'd have to worry about his mind as much as his body? And the skill, Original Sin, felt even more ominous.
Its name alone stirred an uneasy feeling, hinting at powers he might not fully understand—or even control.
Curious about the potential effects of his Sanity stat, Ephraim focused on it. Almost immediately, the status page shifted, expanding to display a detailed view of his current mental state.
Sanity: 85%
Mental Status: Stable (Slight Anxiety)
Effects: Minor reduction in focus
Recent Influences:
First-time killing (-5%)
Disorientation from headache (-5%)
Not in a familiar place/world? (-5%)
Recovery Options Available: Rest
Ephraim raised an eyebrow as he studied the details. The breakdown was unexpectedly thorough, offering insight into the factors influencing his mental stability. Elements such as disorientation, emotional upheaval, and even the aftermath of his first kill seemed to subtly chip away at his Sanity—each assigned a percentage that fluctuated with his experiences.
Despite the questions racing through his mind, Ephraim realized he had no one to turn to for answers. The only lead he had was the mysterious black book—it might hold the secrets behind his strange situation. Otherwise, he'd have to unravel the truth on his own, piece by piece.
After a moment of thought, Ephraim shifted his focus to the Original Sin skill. Now that he'd acquired an ability, understanding its nature was essential. Knowing how it functioned and its potential applications could mean the difference between survival and disaster. After all, wielding a power without understanding its purpose or limits would be more than a waste—it could be outright dangerous...