The bitter wind howled through the darkened streets as Lysander Valenwood trudged home. His steps echoed in the deserted alleyway, each footfall a reminder of the hollow emptiness that had consumed his life. A college dropout, a failed writer, and a man utterly disconnected from the world, Lysander had given up trying to find his place in a society that seemed determined to reject him.
His breath misted in the cold air, mingling with the faint smell of rain-soaked asphalt. "What's the point?" he muttered, glancing at the draft of his latest novel clutched in his hands—a rejection letter from a publisher stapled to the front page.
Fate answered with violence.
A screech of tires, a blinding flash of headlights, and the impact of cold steel against his body sent Lysander spiraling into darkness.
When he awoke, it wasn't the fluorescent glow of a hospital ceiling he saw but a vast expanse of shimmering stars. The ground beneath him was soft, like moss, yet glowed faintly with an otherworldly light.
[SYSTEM INITIALIZING...]
The words materialized in the air before him, pulsing softly in time with an ethereal chime.
"What the hell…?" Lysander scrambled to his feet, his head pounding. His eyes darted around, but there was no one in sight.
Welcome, Chosen One.
The voice was melodic, disembodied, and far too calm for the absurdity of the situation.
Before he could question it, a translucent window appeared in his vision.
Status Window:
Name: Lysander Valenwood
Level: 1
Class: Riftwalker
Race: Human
HP: 120/120
MP: 80/80
Strength: 10
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 10
Endurance: 11
Luck: 3
Skills:
Dimensional Step (Rank D): Instantly move a short distance through a pocket dimension.
Spatial Awareness (Rank E): Sense distortions in space and detect hidden entities.
Void Manipulation (Rank E): Manipulate small fragments of void energy for defensive or offensive purposes.
"What… is this?" Lysander whispered, his voice shaky. The words glowed faintly in his vision, accompanied by a soft hum that resonated in his ears.
New Quest Received:
Quest Name: Survive the Wildlands
Objective: Reach the nearest safe zone.
Reward: +200 XP, Basic Adventurer's Kit
The tranquil beauty of his surroundings was shattered by a distant growl. Lysander froze, his eyes locking onto a pair of glowing red orbs peering at him from the shadows.
A low, guttural snarl sent shivers down his spine. Without thinking, he turned and ran.