The void was silent, vast, and disorienting. I floated, weightless, in an expanse of blinding white nothingness. The horizon, if it even existed, stretched endlessly in every direction. My breath came shallow, though I couldn't even tell if there was air here. I clenched my fists, grounding myself against the creeping panic, and that's when I saw it—a shadow in the light.

A figure emerged, draped in black robes that seemed to absorb the very whiteness around it. Its face was obscured by a hood, and its presence filled the void with a sense of ancient purpose. There was no greeting, no explanation. I opened my mouth, my voice cracking in the surreal stillness.

"Where am I?" I demanded, though the tremor in my voice betrayed my fear.

The hooded figure didn't reply. Instead, it raised a gloved hand, its movement slow and deliberate. In an instant, three glowing holographic screens appeared before me, each suspended in the air like a command prompt in a video game.

On the left, the words Mana Control glimmered in bold letters, accompanied by fine print: The ability to use and master all forms of magic.

In the center was Chakra Control, promising mastery over ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu—a ninja's arsenal straight out of the world of Naruto.

To the right, Ki Control beckoned me with its familiar allure: The ability to manifest and manipulate life energy. My heart leaped. This wasn't just some random selection; this was straight out of my childhood obsessions. With my dreams of some day doing the same feats as the Z-fighters I took the initiative.

I barely hesitated. With a grin tugging at my lips, I extended my hand and tapped the glowing text under Ki Control. The screen dissolved in a burst of light that surged into my arm, spreading through my body like liquid fire. My veins seemed to hum with newfound energy, and an exhilarating rush filled every fiber of my being.

Before I could process the sensation, a new screen appeared. This one was stark, its bold red letters demanding my attention:

***---***

**MISSION 1 UNLOCKED!!**

MISSION 1: THE GOBLIN CHIEF*

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: UNKNOWN

COMPLETION CONDITION: UNKNOWN

REWARDS: UNKNOWN

***---***

The light around me suddenly anished, plunging me into an oppressive darkness. My stomach lurched as the void disappeared beneath me, and I fell.

---

I woke to the scent of damp earth and the rustling of unseen creatures. A dense, ancient forest stretched around me, its towering trees like skyscrapers, their gnarled roots twisting across the forest floor. Sticks, bones, and leaves crunched beneath my boots as I rose unsteadily, taking in my surroundings.

The air was thick with the smell of smoke. My stomach growled as a faint aroma of roasting meat wafted through the air, and my senses sharpened. My attire, I noticed, was foreign—wool and cotton garments, with sturdy leather boots. A small satchel hung at my side, and I found a pouch of coins within: three gold pieces, fifty silver pieces, and a hundred copper pieces.

I smirked despite myself. I was broke, but at least I wasn't destitute.

The forest pulsed with life, the sounds of birds and distant animals creating an ambient symphony. Yet, it wasn't serene—it was alive and unpredictable. Somewhere nearby, a campfire crackled, and voices drifted through the trees. My instincts told me to be cautious, but hunger was a powerful motivator.

Creeping closer, I spotted smoke rising above the treetops. I moved silently, each step careful, until I heard the distinct sound of laughter. Peering through the underbrush, I saw three figures seated around a fire, their voices lighthearted. Above the flames, an animal roasted on a spit, its scent intoxicating.

I stepped forward, intending to announce myself, when a voice rang out behind me.

"Hold it right there!"

Cold metal pressed against the back of my neck.

I froze, instinctively raising my hands to show I wasn't a threat. My pulse quickened as I felt the unmistakable chill of a blade hovering near my skin. The voice that had called out was sharp and commanding, with an undertone of irritation.

"Calm down," I said, keeping my tone even. "I'm just following the smell of food. I don't mean any harm. As you can see, I'm unarmed."

A tall, lean man stepped into view, circling to face me without lowering his weapon. He was an elf, his sharp features framed by long blond hair. Pale as moonlight, his expression was cold, calculating. His bow remained drawn, the arrowhead glinting menacingly in the dappled forest light.

"Kail!" A gruff voice called from the camp. "Who is it?"

The elf, Kail, didn't answer immediately, his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine. Finally, he spoke, his tone clipped.

"Some stray. Unarmed, but… odd."

"Odd?" I echoed, allowing a hint of humor to seep into my voice. "That's a little harsh."

A low growl from the campfire drew my attention. The owner of the gruff voice stood, revealing a figure who was anything but ordinary. He was massive, towering well over 7 feet, his bulky frame clad in plate armor that gleamed even in the dim light. His thick black hair was wild, and a bushy tail swayed behind him—a wolf's tail. His lupine ears twitched as he strode toward us, his heavy boots crunching against the forest floor.

"Who are you?" he demanded, his voice low and growling, like distant thunder.

I glanced from him to Kail, then back again. "Just someone who got lost. I smelled your food and thought I might ask for some." I gestured to the fire behind him. "I haven't eaten in days."

The wolf-man's eyes narrowed, studying me as though he could see straight through my words. His gaze lingered, assessing, and for a moment, I thought he might strike me down. Then, to my surprise, he chuckled—a deep, rumbling sound.

"You can join us for dinner," he said, turning back to the campfire. "But don't try anything stupid."

The elf, Kail, lowered his bow reluctantly, though his expression remained wary. He followed the wolf-man back to the fire, motioning for me to do the same.

The camp was simple but efficient, the kind of setup that spoke of experience. The fire blazed in a carefully constructed pit, and the scent of roasting meat was even more tantalizing up close. Three other figures sat around the flames, their gazes shifting to me as I approached.

"I'm Kaku," the wolf-man said as he sat heavily on a log, gesturing for me to join them. "An A-class adventurer."

The others Introduced themselves in turn. Trent, a short, red-haired man with a cocky grin, leaned back against a tree, his leather armor creaking as he moved. Sheyla, a striking woman with sun-kissed skin and tribal warrior gear, gave me a polite nod, her long black hair shimmering like obsidian in the firelight. Finally, Kail, the elf who had held me at arrow-point, settled into his spot with a scowl, his pale face unreadable.

"So, what's your name, stranger?" Kaku asked, tearing a chunk of meat off the roast.

" Kaizen," I replied, seating myself carefully. My full name is Kaizen Vale but to be honest they didn't reveal their last names so it felt odd to say my full name. Maybe it is like those stories I read where only the nobles had last names.

So anyway they exchanged glances, as though weighing the name. Sheyla spoke first.

"Kaizen, huh? What brings you to these woods?"

I hesitated, crafting my response. "I recently left my village to become an adventurer," I said. "But I was ambushed by bandits and lost everything. I've been wandering ever since."

Kail snorted softly, as though he didn't believe a word of it. Trent, however, grinned.

"Well, you've got guts, I'll give you that," Trent said, raising his flask in mock salute. "Most people wouldn't last a day out here without gear or magic."

"Speaking of which," Kaku interjected, fixing me with a curious look, "do you have any abilities? Combat skills? Magic?"

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "I can't use magic, but my grandfather taught me to fight."

It wasn't exactly a lie—my grandfather had shown me a few basic self-defense moves when I was a kid. But in reality, my experience was limited to what I'd seen in anime and movies. Still, I wasn't about to admit that.

For a moment, they seemed to accept my answer. The conversation shifted, and they began recounting tales of their adventures. The stories were larger than life—monsters vanquished, treasures claimed, near-death escapes. I listened intently, filing away every detail.

As the night deepened, the group grew quieter. One by one, they stretched out on makeshift bedrolls, their breathing evening out as sleep claimed them. I remained awake a while longer, staring into the embers of the dying fire. My mind raced with questions. Why was I here? How did I come to this world? Did I really die in my old life back on earth? ? What was this world? I don't particularly remember my death. Does that mean it was instant death? Well weird thing is I cannot even remember my last moments on earth. What was I doing on earth the moments leading up to my death? I was really just a hustler. I didn't really fit into the proper narrative of having a job. I used my talents just to earn cash. Mostly that involved private contracts such as designing a particularly hard to break through system or really anything tech based. One would think I went to an institute but I learnt it all by myself. Textbooks and such things of course. I know it is a weird think that you learnt it by yourself as if you actually invented the subject matter but maybe the better phrasing is I didn't need a human teacher in the literal sense to learn it all. Well that was good and all but key question was am I really dead and somehow got isekaid into this world or… is this all some sort of dream or maybe some advanced virtual reality game? And most importantly, how was I going to survive?

---

Morning came far too soon. The adventurers woke with the dawn, their movements brisk and practiced. I struggled to keep up as they broke camp, my body protesting every step. After a quick breakfast of stale bread and bland soup, we set off toward the city.

The journey was long, the forest thinning into open plains as the sun climbed higher. By early afternoon, the towering walls of a city loomed in the distance, their stone ramparts glinting in the light.

"Welcome to Torak," Kaku said with a grin.

The others sighed in relief, their exhaustion evident.

"For two long months, we've been away," Sheyla said, her tone light with anticipation.

"And that's what you get for taking S-class quests," Kail muttered, though there was a hint of pride in his voice.

I followed them through the gates, marveling at the bustling streets beyond. Torak was alive with activity, its narrow alleys and open markets teeming with merchants, adventurers, and townsfolk. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

This was my first step into a new world.

The city of Torak was a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, lined with tall stone buildings that cast long shadows under the afternoon sun. Vendors shouted over one another, hawking everything from gleaming weapons to exotic spices. The air was alive with the mingling scents of baked bread, roasted meats, and the occasional unpleasant waft of unwashed bodies. Everywhere I looked, there was movement—carriages rattling over the stones, adventurers striding purposefully toward the guildhall, children darting between stalls in carefree play.

I stayed close to Kaku and the others as we navigated the chaos. The towering wolf-man seemed to part the crowd effortlessly, his mere presence enough to make people step aside.

"You'll want to stick close," Trent said, falling into step beside me. "Torak might look like a dream, but it's a haven for pickpockets and a worse. Newcomers like you make easy targets."

"I'll keep that in mind," I replied, gripping my pouch reflexively.

After several winding turns, we arrived at a grand building that dwarfed those around it. The adventurers' guildhall was a fortress of polished stone, its massive wooden doors intricately carved with scenes of battle and exploration. A golden emblem of a crossed sword and staff was inlaid above the entrance, glinting in the sunlight.

Kaku pushed the doors open with a grunt, and we stepped inside.

The interior of the guildhall was just as impressive as the outside. The high ceiling was supported by thick wooden beams, and the walls were adorned with trophies from past quests—beastly skulls, glimmering weapons, and even a tattered banner that looked like it had seen centuries of war. The room was bustling with activity, adventurers of all shapes and sizes gathered around tables, drinking, laughing, and exchanging tales of glory.

To the left, a long bar served food and drink, while to the right, a massive bulletin board was covered in papers—quests, notices, and bounties. Straight ahead, a counter manned by receptionists stood as the hub of the operation.

"That's where you'll want to go," Kaku said, nodding toward the counter. "Sign up, get your guild card, and then you can start taking jobs. If you're serious about adventuring, that is."

I nodded, my stomach churning with a mix of nerves and excitement.

"Good luck, kid," Sheyla said with a wink before the group dispersed, each heading to their own business within the hall.

I made my way to the counter, where a receptionist greeted me with a practiced smile. She was stunning, with caramel-brown skin, long black hair cascading over her shoulders, and a heart-shaped face that could disarm the most hardened warrior. Her professional demeanor didn't waver as she addressed me.

"Welcome to the Torak Adventurers' Guild. How can I assist you?"

Her voice was sweet, melodic even, and for a moment, I forgot how to speak.

"I, uh… I to adventurer," I stammered, my voice higher than I intended. Fuck this shit! I have banged fucking supermodels. How is a receptionist chick getting me tongue tied? So anyway.

Her smile didn't falter, though there was a flicker of amusement in her dark eyes. "Of course. Please fill out this form and return it along with one silver coin."

She slid a sheet of parchment across the counter, along with a quill and ink. The parchment was filled with neatly printed fields for me to fill out—name, age, abilities, preferred weapon, and more.

I carried it over to an empty table in the tavern area, trying to appear casual as I took a seat. Glancing around, I noticed a few adventurers watching me, their eyes curious but not unfriendly. Taking a deep breath, I dipped the quill into the ink and began filling out the form.

The language on the parchment wasn't English—or any language I recognized—but somehow, I could read it. Each word seemed to translate itself in my mind, as though the act of looking at them unlocked their meaning. When I wrote my responses, my hand moved automatically, forming letters I didn't understand but instinctively knew were correct. Where was this when I tried to learn Japanese to watch anime with greater understanding?

I listed my name as Kaizen, gave my age as 17. Sheyla told me I looked like a kid. She even showed me a mirror I honestly do look like I did when I was in secondary school. Weird but typical such circumstances. So anyway I hesitated over the fields for abilities and weapons. I had no magic to speak of, but leaving the form blank felt… wrong. Inspiration struck, and I wrote Strengthening Magic under abilities and swordsmanship under weapons. It wasn't a complete lie—I could theoretically learn to wield a sword, and Ki was technically a part of enhancing your physical abilities and it was a part of me now, even if I didn't fully understand it yet.

When I was done, I returned to the counter and handed the form to the receptionist, along with a silver coin.

"Thank you," she said with that same dazzling smile. "I'll process your application. Please wait a moment."

She disappeared through a door behind the counter, leaving me to my thoughts. I glanced around the guildhall, taking in the lively atmosphere. Groups of adventurers huddled together, strategizing over maps or laughing boisterously. Some looked grizzled and battle-worn, while others seemed barely older than me.

The receptionist returned shortly, holding a small card and a thin booklet.

"Here is your guild card," she said, handing me the card. It was made of a smooth, dark material, etched with my name and a shimmering emblem of the guild. "And this is the adventurer's handbook. It contains information on guild rules, quest classifications, and other useful tips."

"Thanks," I said, taking the items.

She leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. "Welcome to the guild, Kaizen. May your journey be prosperous and safe."

As I left the counter, my mind raced with possibilities. The guild was my first step toward understanding this world and carving out a place for myself in it. The mission from earlier—the goblin chief—loomed in the back of my mind. I had no idea where to begin, but at least now, I wasn't entirely alone.

The city outside the guildhall was alive with opportunity, and for the first time since waking up in this strange new world, I felt a spark of hope.

Tomorrow, my journey would truly begin.