Alex shook his head, still staring at the strange world before him. "None of this makes sense," he muttered, more to himself than to the Guide. "I'm just… me. I know nothing. I don't know about building empires, especially in this place."
The Guide's voice softened, taking on an almost reassuring tone. "It's natural to feel uncertain, Alex. You're crossing a threshold that few get to experience."
She paused before adding, "But remember, you're not expected to understand everything all at once. You're here to learn, grow, and take it one step at a time."
Alex let out a shaky breath, glancing down at his hands, half-expecting to see some sign of change, some proof of his newfound purpose. But they were still his hands—normal, familiar, and entirely human. "So, what now? I just… walk into this world and start building something? Without any idea of how it works?"
The Guide chuckled softly, echoing warmly in the strange, empty space. "You won't be left completely in the dark," she assured him. "The Empire System will provide you with guidance as you progress. Think of each mission and each skill as stepping stones. They will lead you toward a greater understanding, piece by piece."
"But why me?" he asked, glancing around as if hoping to find answers in the shimmering landscape before him. "What makes me capable of all this?"
The Guide paused, her tone thoughtful. "Sometimes, those who doubt themselves the most are capable of the greatest growth. You may not feel ready, Alex, but the fact that you're here, questioning and seeking, means you have more potential than you realize."
Alex took a deep breath, his heart steadying as he absorbed her words. He didn't fully understand and was certain he didn't have all the answers. But a spark of determination flickered within him, subtle yet unmistakable.
Just as Alex let that faint determination settle, a soft chime echoed around him, pulling his attention back to the Empire System. A new mission notification appeared before him, its text glowing faintly against the surreal landscape.
=====
[New Mission: Explore the True Realm]
Objective: Begin your journey by exploring the surrounding area and learning about the world you've entered.
Rewards:
1.500 EXP
2. 250 Coins
3. Skill: Emperor's Eyes (Basic Level)
=====
Alex read the mission carefully, his gaze lingering on the skill's name—Emperor's Eyes.
"Emperor's Eyes..."
Something about it felt powerful, as though it held a potential he couldn't yet understand.
He looked around, hoping the Guide would offer more insight, he asked, "Where should I start?"
Silence.
"Huh?"
The Guide was gone. The doorway that had brought him here had also vanished, leaving him alone in this strange, magical place.
"What an unreliable guide."
With no other choice, Alex took a steadying breath. He didn't fully understand this world or his purpose here. Still, he couldn't ignore the pull of curiosity—or the faint spark of excitement creeping into his chest.
Steeling himself, he took his first step forward into the unknown.
Alex squinted as he ventured into the forest. The sunlight filtered through the canopy above, casting dappled shadows along the ground. The air was warm and filled with the earthy scent of moss and leaves, surprisingly similar to the real world yet tinged with an otherworldly quality he couldn't quite place.
Every step resonated in the forest's quiet as though he were being observed by the very trees. As Alex took in the scenery, he glanced down, realizing his attire had changed too.
Instead of his usual clothes, he wore a simple tunic, belted at the waist, and sturdy leather boots laced up to his calves. The tunic had a rough, practical feel, and the boots were solid for trekking across rugged terrain.
He couldn't help but chuckle, running a hand over the fabric. "Looks like I'm dressed as an NPC," he muttered, amused by how out of place he felt in these fantasy-style clothes. Yet they felt oddly comfortable as if tailored to fit him perfectly for this world.
With a smirk, he adjusted the tunic and continued down the path, fully immersed in the strange new reality of the True Realm.
"How does time even work here?" he wondered aloud. If this place existed in his dreams, he couldn't help but question how it related to the 'real' world.
Was time here in sync with his world, or would he wake up only minutes after falling asleep?
He would only find out when he woke up.
The forest wasn't dense, and the path ahead was clear, lined with towering trees whose leaves seemed to shimmer faintly in the sunlight, shifting from deep green to hints of blue and purple as the wind stirred them. As he moved deeper, he noticed strange plants he'd never seen, some with delicate luminescent petals and others that twisted and curled as though aware of his presence.
There were sounds, too—chirps, rustles, and the occasional call of an animal that didn't belong in any forest back home. Alex couldn't see them, but he felt their eyes on him, curious and cautious.
A rustle in the bushes made him pause. His heart skipped, and he tightened his grip on a stick he'd picked up along the way—a poor excuse for a weapon, but it was something. A small, rabbit-like creature hopped out from the bushes, its fur a rich midnight blue and antlers sprouting from its head.
"Well… that's new," Alex muttered, relaxing a little. The creature regarded him with curious eyes before bounding into the forest.
He continued walking, taking in every sight and sound, feeling like an explorer in a land hidden from the rest of the world. The path sloped slightly upward, and as he reached the crest of a hill, he found himself looking over a vast valley.
The landscape was breathtaking—a sweeping view of rolling hills, crystalline rivers, and distant mountains, their peaks dusted with silver snow.
This world—the True Realm—was unlike anything he'd ever seen, and as he gazed over the landscape, he felt that faint spark of excitement flares a little brighter.