It was 9 PM at night, and I found myself in my room, engrossed in playing video games. However, lately, I've been growing increasingly bored with this pastime. It's not surprising, considering I'm already in my mid-twenties; gaming just doesn't excite me like it used to. Yet, it remained my go-to activity for passing time and relieving some stress.
Around midnight, a yawn escaped me, signaling my growing tiredness. Nevertheless, I was determined to complete this one last quest and advance my warrior character to level 15 before calling it a night.
The quest itself was fairly straightforward: raid the dungeon, defeat the boss, and claim the rewards. These rewards typically included a random item and a substantial amount of experience points.
Currently, I'm at level 14, I knew that completing this quest would push me to level 15. However, midway raiding through the dungeon, exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks. Before I knew it, I had fallen asleep with my head resting on my keyboard.
Unaware of how much time had passed, I found myself awakening amidst the tranquil embrace of a lush forest, far removed from any recognizable surroundings. Before I could fully comprehend my surroundings, a hologram screen suddenly materialized in front of me, accompanied by a loud voice:
[Hello, Player! Welcome to the Chronicles of the Demon Kings!]
"C-Chronicles of the Demon Kings?!"
[The Chronicles of the Demon Kings] was a novel I read a few years ago, and it was so popular that it even spawned a video game adaptation. What's more, the game I had been playing before I nodded off on my keyboard was the "Chronicles of the Demon Kings Online." It's intriguing—I never imagined I'd find myself transported into the very world of the novel.
"Status Window!" I yelled.
Name: Zealot Dragonite
Title: Beginner Player
Race: Human
Class: None
Level: 1
HP: 100/100
MP: 50/50
Strength: 10
Agility: 5
Magic Power: 5
[Skills:]
- None
Zealot Dragonite? Wasn't that the warrior character I created when I was playing the game "Chronicles of the Demon Kings Online" yesterday? Interesting, it seems I've become a video game character inside a novel.
Ding!
[You have received a beginner gift box! Would you like to open it now?]
Oh, what's this? A gift from the system? Well, let's open and see what it is.
[Congratulations! You have acquired a random legendary skill!]
Legendary skill? Sounds like I've hit a jackpot. Heh, not bad for a start.
[Name: Eyes Of Truth]
[Skill Type: Mind-Reading]
[Eyes Of Truth: No one can deceive you. You possess the ability to delve into their thoughts, almost as though you're within their mind.]
Mind-Reading, huh? What a reliable skill. As expected from a skill of Legendary Tier.
[Beginner Guide! To officially begin your adventure, you must first complete a few Tutorials.]
[Current Location: Beginner Forest]
[Tutorial: Kill 10 Goblins.]
[Reward: Beginner Village]
Haha. Goblins, huh? Of course, the classic early-game monsters. What a cliche. However, nevermind that, what's this? Beginner Forest? I don't recall any forest like that in the novel. Heck, it's not even in the game. Hmm, I suppose the only explanation is that the system must be the one adding new content.
RAAARRRR!
KRAARRRR!
GRAARRRR!
Well, speak of the devil—looks like the Goblins are here for me.
In a blink of an eye, a sword and shield materialized before me, landing with a heavy thud amid the rustling of grass.
THUD!
[For newcomers! You've been provided with a starter sword and shield for combat! Best of luck with your first Tutorial!]
Without hesitation, I swiftly grabbed the sword and shield from the ground. I gulped, feeling extremely nervous, as this was my first time facing a real-life battle against ten Goblins at once.
With a fierce determination to survive at any cost, adrenaline surged through me as I charged toward the Goblins, initiating the battle.
"Raaargh!!! Bring it on, you foolish Goblins!!! Die!!!"
Desperation consumes me. As a full-time manga artist who has never experienced much freedom, I can't afford to meet my end here just yet. This new life represents my sole escape from the brutal overwork of the manga industry, so I must not squander this opportunity bestowed upon me.