Chapter 1: Awakening in a New World
Ken sat in front of his computer screen, utterly engrossed in the virtual world that had captivated him completely. At that moment, everything around him was a symphony of rapid keyboard clicks and heavy breaths that mirrored his deep immersion in the game. The faint blue glow from the screen cast an eerie light in the dark room, creating an atmosphere of isolation from the real world, as if Ken had entered a parallel reality.
Tension was mounting as Ken faced formidable opponents in a fierce battle. His cautious maneuvers and attention to detail were the keys to his progress, and victory seemed so close. Just one more moment, and his name would be etched in the ranks of the victors.
But life doesn't like predictable endings.
Suddenly, a deafening roar shattered the silence of the room, freezing Ken in place. A quick glance toward his small window was enough to shatter any illusion of stability. In the horizon, a blazing meteor, impossibly large, tore through the sky at breakneck speed, leaving a trail of fire and smoke in its wake.
"What the hell is that?!" Ken muttered in shock, his mind struggling to process the surreal sight.
He tried to move, to escape, but his legs refused to obey. The next moment came like a harsh slap from reality, as the meteor collided with the earth, unleashing an earth-shaking explosion that sent waves of destruction in all directions. An unbearable heat engulfed his body, and the sound of the explosion was the last thing he heard before sinking into darkness.
Ken's eyes snapped open suddenly, as if someone had pulled him out of deep waters. He gasped for air, trying to steady his pounding heart. Darkness surrounded him, but it wasn't the darkness he knew. It was thick, almost tangible.
"Where am I? Did... I die?" he muttered in a trembling voice.
Before he could think further, a faint blue light emerged in front of him. A transparent window appeared out of nowhere, its words glowing as if they held the secrets of the universe.
[Congratulations! You have been chosen as a Rank 7 Necromancer.]
"What?" Ken took a step back, but the light surrounded him, leaving no room for escape. He reached out toward the window as if trying to touch it, but it vanished, only to be replaced by another, more detailed one:
[Name: Ken]
[Rank: Necromancer (7)]
[Skills: Summon Soldiers, Soul Manipulation]
[Level: 1]
[Mission: Rebuild Civilization.]
Ken read the words slowly, as if afraid this was all a dream or a nightmare. Everything around him felt strange, yet eerily familiar. He tried to focus, but a flood of new memories overwhelmed him: his village, its people, and... his role as a young ruler.
Ken was startled by a soft knock at the door. He looked up to find himself in a spacious wooden room, the furniture simple but sturdy, and the walls adorned with traditional carvings that told stories of a world that seemed both familiar and alien.
Opening the door, he found an elderly man with a face etched with wrinkles that spoke of wisdom and experience. The man looked at him with eyes full of concern.
"My lord, are you alright? You've been unconscious for quite some time."
Ken hesitated for a moment before replying, "Yes... I'm fine."
"Thank goodness. The villagers were worried about you."
"The villagers?" Ken murmured, as if trying to piece everything together. But before he could process the situation, another window appeared:
[New Mission: Protect the Village from Raiders.]
[Time Remaining: 24 Hours.]
"Raiders?" Ken said aloud, causing the old man to look at him in confusion.
"Yes, my lord. We've received news of an approaching group of raiders. Their numbers are significant, and they are well-armed."
"How many?"
"Around thirty men," the man replied, his voice tinged with worry.
Ken felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. A part of him screamed that he didn't belong here, but he realized that running away wasn't an option.
Another window appeared:
[New Skill Unlocked: Summon Spirit Soldier.]
[Cost: 10 Energy Points.]
There was no time to think. Ken extended his hand, feeling a strange energy flow through his body. In front of him, the air began to shift, forming into a transparent figure that solidified into a soldier wielding a sword, his expression stern and his voice hollow.
"I am at your command, my lord."
The old man stepped back in shock, his eyes wide with amazement.
"What is this?" he asked in a trembling voice.
Ken smiled confidently for the first time. "This is just the beginning."
Ken spent the next several hours organizing the village's defenses. He summoned more spirit soldiers and instructed them to train the villagers in basic combat techniques. Despite his confusion, his leadership skills began to shine. The villagers looked at him with a mix of awe and fear, but they followed his orders without question.
As night approached, news arrived that the raiders were only a few miles away. Ken stood at the village gate, watching the horizon intently. Another window appeared:
[Warning: Raiders are 10 kilometers away.]
[Time Remaining: 12 Hours.]
He knew the upcoming battle would be a true test of his abilities. His heart was filled with anxiety, but he knew retreat wasn't an option.
"I won't let them destroy what's left," he said softly but firmly.
As the moon rose into the sky, Ken braced himself to face his destiny in this new world.
End of Chapter 1