The sun was setting over the town of Perilcrest, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple. Jonas, a relatively average twenty-year-old who had recently found himself inexplicably transported into a fantastical world, was sitting in front of the local tavern, nursing a mug of cold ale. He had no idea what had happened or how he got here. All he knew was that a bright flash of light had thrown him into a new realm filled with talking animals, magic, and strange floating words above everyone's heads.
Level: 1
"Great," Jonas muttered, staring at the glowing text that hovered above his own head. "I'm stuck in a video game."
He was still getting used to it—the quests, the dungeons, and especially the fact that every time he gained some experience points, the world seemed to change around him in small but noticeable ways.
"Oi! You there!" a voice called from the tavern door.
Jonas looked up and saw a woman emerging from the shadows. She was tall, with dark, fiery red hair tied in a messy braid. Her armor, though dented and scratched, had an air of someone who had been through more than a few scrapes. A sword hung from her hip, and a bow was slung across her back. She had that look—the look of someone who didn't want to be bothered, but also couldn't resist getting involved in anything slightly interesting.
"You're Jonas, right?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Jonas blinked, surprised. "Yeah, that's me. How did you know?"
The woman smirked and pointed to the glowing text hovering above his head. "Level 1. Pretty hard to miss."
Jonas felt his face flush. "Oh, right. Forgot about that."
"That's embarrassing," she chuckled, walking toward him. "No offense, but you're kind of the newbie of this town. I'm Kael. I could use some help. You up for a quest?"
Jonas raised an eyebrow. He had no idea what quests even meant yet. He hadn't had the guts to approach anyone about it.
"Uh, sure. I guess? What's the catch?"
Kael's eyes twinkled mischievously. "There's a legendary monster that's been terrorizing the outskirts of town. We need someone... fresh. Someone who hasn't leveled up much, so the monster won't be as tough on you."
Jonas sighed, both relieved and slightly insulted. "So, I'm the bait?"
She grinned. "Pretty much. But hey, you'll level up faster. And I'll be right there with you, keeping an eye on things. Think of it like a partnership."
Jonas hesitated. He'd never fought anything in his life—well, except for video game enemies back home, but this was different. This was real.
But then he glanced up at the text above her head.
Kael - Level: 21
"Okay, fine," he said, standing up and dusting off his pants. "Let's go slay this monster... or whatever."
The sun had barely dipped below the horizon as Jonas and Kael trekked into the nearby woods, the trees whispering with the sounds of nighttime creatures. Every few steps, Jonas noticed something strange: a small notification popped up in his vision. He dismissed it at first, but then the words became clearer.
Experience gained: 20 XP.
"Wait," Jonas said, stopping mid-step. "I just got XP for walking?"
Kael turned back to him with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah. You get XP for doing basically anything here. But don't get too cocky. You still need to fight something if you want to level up properly."
Jonas grinned. "I'm ready for it."
Kael looked him up and down. "Uh-huh. We'll see how 'ready' you are once we find the creature."
As they moved deeper into the forest, Jonas' nerves grew. His hands were sweaty, and his stomach churned with the thought of facing an actual monster. The forest grew thicker, darker, and more ominous as they approached the clearing.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the shadows, followed by a large shadow darting between the trees.
"There!" Kael hissed, drawing her sword. "Stay behind me!"
Jonas didn't need telling twice. He hid behind a nearby tree, watching as a massive, three-headed wolf appeared from the underbrush. Its eyes glowed like embers, and it snarled with all three mouths simultaneously, sending a chill down Jonas' spine.
Monster Encounter: Cerberus - Level 10
"Okay, that's not good," Jonas muttered.
The wolf's growl reverberated through the clearing as it charged toward Kael, but she deftly rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the beast's snapping jaws.
"Jonas, now!" she yelled.
Jonas hesitated, the world seeming to slow down. He had to do something. He didn't even have a weapon. He looked around and spotted a branch lying on the ground. It wasn't much, but it would have to do. He grabbed it, holding it like a sword.
New Item: Sturdy Branch
Jonas lunged toward the wolf, swinging the branch with all his might. It hit the Cerberus' hind leg, but it didn't do much damage. The beast howled in fury, turning its attention toward him.
He froze. What was he doing? He was going to get eaten!
But then—something happened.
Level Up!
Level 2:
HP +10,
Strength +5,
Dexterity +3.
Suddenly, Jonas felt... stronger. His arms felt heavier, more confident, like he could take on the world. Without thinking, he swung the branch again, hitting the wolf square in the face.
Critical Hit!
Cerberus -10 HP.
The Cerberus yelped, staggering back. Jonas' heart raced in his chest. "Did I just...?"
"Nice hit!" Kael shouted, clearly impressed. "You're getting the hang of this."
With newfound energy, Jonas charged forward again, this time not hesitating. The wolf howled in pain as Jonas landed another blow, this one right between its glowing eyes.
Level Up!
Level 3:
HP +12,
Strength +7,
Luck +2.
Jonas couldn't believe it. He'd leveled up twice already—and the fight wasn't even over. The Cerberus, now weakened, was beginning to retreat, growling in fury as it disappeared into the woods.
Kael lowered her sword, eyeing Jonas with something between awe and surprise. "You've got some serious potential."
Jonas, panting and covered in dirt, beamed. "I think I might actually be good at this!"
Kael gave him a teasing smile. "Just wait until we face something stronger."
"Bring it on," Jonas replied, his heart pounding, his confidence soaring.
Experience gained:
50 XP.
Level Up!
Level 4:
HP +15,
Strength +10,
Speed +5.
Jonas felt a surge of power as his body continued to adjust to his new abilities. He glanced at Kael, grinning. "So, uh, how about a celebratory drink?"
Kael laughed. "I think you've earned it, newbie. But don't get too cocky."
Jonas raised an eyebrow. "Oh, don't worry. I'll keep my feet on the ground... for now."
And with that, they made their way back to town, Jonas already feeling like a different person. A little braver. A little stronger. And definitely a little more curious about what else this world had in store for him—and maybe a little curious about Kael, too.
Level Up!
Level 5:
HP +20,
Luck +5,
Charisma +3.