The meadow was as serene as ever. Birds chirped from the treetops, and a soft wind carried the faint scent of wildflowers. Anyone else would have thought they were in paradise. I, on the other hand, was trying not to panic.
The system's voice was silent now, but the glowing panel in front of me wasn't going anywhere. Its translucent surface hovered in the air, displaying an array of information: my name, a new level, and something about stats.
Name: Li Yun
Level: 2
Experience: 200/500
Abilities Unlocked: Energy Manipulation (Basic)
"Abilities? Stats? What is this, some kind of game?" I muttered, reaching out to touch the panel. My finger passed right through it.
I flopped onto the grass, rubbing my temples. "Okay, let's think this through. I just fought… things. Monsters. And now I have this… system?"
The words felt absurd even as I said them aloud. Two years in this world, and I'd never seen or heard of anything like this. People here didn't even talk about things like systems or leveling up. They lived simple lives—peaceful, normal lives.
So why me?
My stomach churned at the memory of those creatures—their glowing eyes, their claws, their guttural growls. I could still feel the energy coursing through my hands, still hear the sound of their bodies hitting the ground.
I clenched my fists. "This isn't normal. This can't be normal."
But as much as I wanted to deny it, the truth was staring me in the face.
"Host is encouraged to explore the system's functions."
The sudden voice made me flinch. "Could you not do that without warning?"
The system, predictably, didn't respond. Instead, another panel appeared, this one labeled System Menu.
Options:
Profile
Quests
Inventory
Store
Skills
Curiosity and frustration warred within me. With a resigned sigh, I tapped the floating word "Profile."
The panel shifted, displaying a new set of information:
Li Yun
Level: 2
Experience: 200/500
Strength: 10
Agility: 12
Intelligence: 15
Energy Control: 20
Below the stats was a description of my newly unlocked ability:
Energy Manipulation (Basic): Grants the host the ability to channel and project raw energy for offensive and defensive purposes. Energy output increases with proficiency.
"Huh," I said, squinting at the numbers. "So I'm supposed to get stronger by fighting those… things?"
As if in response, the system displayed a new notification.
"New Quest: Prepare for the Second Task.
Objective: Use your energy manipulation ability 10 times in controlled practice.
Reward: 100 experience points and 1 skill point."*
Great. More homework.
I stood up, brushing dirt off my pants. The meadow was quiet, peaceful—probably the perfect place to try this "controlled practice."
I focused on the sensation I'd felt earlier, the strange pull in my chest that seemed to guide the energy. Slowly, I raised my hand, imagining the force gathering there.
At first, nothing happened. I frowned, concentrating harder. The pull grew stronger, and then—
A burst of light shot from my palm, slamming into a nearby tree. The trunk shuddered under the impact, and a few leaves fluttered to the ground.
"Whoa." I stared at my hand, a mix of awe and disbelief flooding through me.
"Progress: 1/10."
"Right," I muttered. "Nine more to go."
It took me about half an hour to complete the task. By the time I was done, the tree I'd been using as a target was charred and smoking, and I was drenched in sweat.
"Quest complete. You have gained 100 experience points and 1 skill point."
I flopped onto the grass again, staring up at the sky. My arms ached, my head throbbed, and I was pretty sure I smelled like burnt wood. But I couldn't deny the faint thrill that ran through me.
For the first time since the system activated, I didn't feel completely overwhelmed.
I made my way back to the village as the sun began to set. The cobblestone streets were quieter now, with most of the market stalls packed up for the night. Familiar faces greeted me as I passed, and I forced a smile, hoping no one would notice how distracted I was.
When I finally reached my small home—a modest cottage near the edge of the village—I collapsed onto the bed without bothering to change. My mind was still racing, but exhaustion quickly dragged me under.
I woke to the sound of the system's voice echoing in my head.
"New task generated. Prepare for second teleportation. Timer: 24 hours."
I groaned, pulling the blanket over my head. "Can't I get a break?"
But deep down, I knew this wasn't something I could ignore. The system wasn't going away, and neither was whatever strange journey it had in store for me.
For better or worse, my peaceful life was over.
And I had a feeling things were only going to get harder from here.