Alex Carter stood in the middle of the clearing, his mind racing with possibilities. He was in a world brimming with magic and danger, a place straight out of the fantasy novels he loved. Yet the thought of his family still weighed heavily on him.
"If I'm supposed to save this world," Alex muttered to himself, "then I'll do it my way—and that means finding a way to bring my family here."
The glowing status screen popped up again with a faint chime, almost as if it were responding to his determination.
Current Objectives:
1. Awaken latent abilities.
2. Establish foothold in Aerithia.
3. Investigate methods of dimensional connection.
"Dimensional connection?" Alex read aloud, his eyebrows rising. "So it's possible? That's all I need to know."
Fueled by this revelation, Alex turned his attention to the small pouch on his belt. During his trek through the forest, he had accumulated a collection of items dropped by defeated monsters: low-grade mana crystals, animal pelts, and a strange golden coin with intricate engravings.
"I need to find a town or someone who can explain what any of this is," Alex said, pocketing the coin. "And maybe get some answers about this whole 'Chosen One' thing."
With a direction in mind, Alex ventured out of the forest. The tall trees gave way to open plains, and in the distance, he could see smoke curling upward—a sign of civilization.
"Finally, progress," Alex muttered, quickening his pace.
After an hour of walking, Alex arrived at the outskirts of a small village. Wooden cottages lined the dirt road, and the scent of fresh bread wafted through the air. Villagers bustled about, carrying baskets of produce, herding livestock, and tending to market stalls.
Alex approached cautiously, unsure of how he would be received. His casual clothing—a T-shirt and jeans—was glaringly out of place in a world where everyone wore tunics, cloaks, and leather armor.
As he entered the village square, a group of children playing with a wooden ball noticed him. They froze, staring wide-eyed at the stranger.
"Hey, uh… hi," Alex said, raising a hand awkwardly.
One of the kids screamed, "He's an adventurer!" and bolted down the street, the rest following close behind.
"Well, that's not terrifying at all," Alex muttered.
Before he could decide what to do next, a voice called out to him. "You there! Stranger!"
Alex turned to see a burly man with a thick beard and a sword strapped to his hip approaching. His leather armor creaked as he moved, and his sharp eyes scanned Alex from head to toe.
"What's your business here?" the man asked, his tone wary but not hostile.
"I'm, uh… new around here," Alex replied honestly. "Just passing through."
The man narrowed his eyes but seemed to relax slightly. "Name's Garret. I'm the town guard. If you're looking for work or supplies, head to the tavern. Just don't cause any trouble, understand?"
"Got it," Alex said with a nod.
Garret grunted and walked away, leaving Alex to navigate the bustling square. Spotting a sign with a mug of ale carved into it, Alex made his way to the tavern.
The tavern was a lively place, filled with the chatter of patrons and the clinking of mugs. A bard in the corner strummed a lute, singing a ballad about a hero who slayed a dragon.
Alex approached the bar, where a woman with fiery red hair and a warm smile was serving drinks. "What can I get for you, stranger?" she asked, her voice lilting with curiosity.
"Information, actually," Alex said, sliding the golden coin across the counter. "What can you tell me about this?"
The woman picked up the coin, her eyes widening slightly. "This is a Guild Token," she said, handing it back. "Proof of defeating a Dire Wolf, no less. Impressive for someone without armor or weapons."
Alex blinked. "Wait, this means I'm part of some guild?"
She chuckled. "Not quite. It means you're eligible to join one. With a token like this, any adventurer's guild would accept you. If you're serious about surviving in this world, that's where you should start."
"Where can I find one?" Alex asked, his excitement growing.
"The closest guild is in Oakshield City, two days' journey north of here," the woman replied. "But the road is dangerous. You'll need more than just magic to make it there."
Alex nodded, realizing she was right. He needed supplies, better gear, and maybe some allies. "Thanks for the advice."
As he turned to leave, a voice behind him said, "You're heading to Oakshield? Mind if I tag along?"
Alex turned to see a young man leaning against the wall, a bow slung over his shoulder and a mischievous grin on his face. His sandy blond hair and sharp eyes gave him the look of someone who had seen his fair share of trouble.
"And you are?" Alex asked cautiously.
"Name's Marcus. I'm an archer—and before you ask, yes, I'm pretty good at it," the man said with a smirk. "Traveling alone is a death wish, especially for someone new. I'll split any loot we find on the way, deal?"
Alex considered the offer. Having a skilled companion could make the journey easier, but trusting a stranger wasn't something he took lightly.
"Alright, deal," Alex said after a moment. "But if you try anything funny…"
Marcus raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, newbie. You won't regret having me around."
With Marcus as his first ally and a clearer goal in mind, Alex left the tavern feeling more confident than when he'd arrived. As the two set out on the road to Oakshield, the weight of the unknown loomed large, but for the first time, Alex felt like he wasn't alone.
Little did he know, the journey ahead would test them in ways neither could have anticipated.