Shree sat cross-legged on the soft moss beneath the plum blossom tree, his mind swirling with confusion. The initial shock of the events had faded, but what remained was a deep, existential uncertainty. He stared at the beauty around him—the waterfall cascading down rocks, the ethereal mist in the air, and the peaceful isolation of the place. It felt unreal, almost like a dream.
Did I die?
He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to calm himself, but the question kept returning. Did I die and go to heaven? But then... why was I here?
Shree blinked, recalling the last moments of his previous life—the bear, the disc, and the fall. Then, the strange symbols had lit up, and everything had gone black. When he awoke, he found himself in this mysterious place. It didn't feel like heaven, nor did it feel like anything he had ever read in the novels or manga he was obsessed with. He knew this place was real, but it was also unlike anything he had imagined.
Wait...
He paused, realization dawning. I didn't die… I transmigrated. Just like in the novels and manga he used to read. He had read countless stories where the main character was transported to another world, either through some accident or magical event. In every story, the protagonist gained immense power and saved the world. Some became immortal, others became gods. But those were just stories, weren't they? Could it be that this was his reality now?
A strange feeling surged within him. I'm the main character now?
One part of him felt excited, thrilled even. I could become powerful here. I could become invincible, maybe even live forever. Who knows, maybe I could save the world or defeat monsters. I could be a legend. The thought was intoxicating. The idea of a life filled with adventure, strength, and glory—his heart raced just thinking about it.
But then, another part of him rebelled. But what about my family? What about my friends? He thought about his parents, Vrushali, and his friends—Karan, Shreyash, Prajwal, Rutu, and Prathmesh. I don't want to leave them behind. I wanted to be a doctor. I wanted to live a normal life, help people, become a hero in my own way. I wanted to grow old with someone, to marry, to have children and watch them grow up. I wanted a peaceful life, a life full of love and happiness.
The conflict between these two emotions—adventure and peace—tore at him. He closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he didn't know what to do. Should I embrace this new world and its endless possibilities? Or should I find a way back home, to the life I once had?
After a long pause, Shree recalled something that made his heart beat a little faster. The disc...
The mysterious disc. He had been so focused on everything else that he almost forgot about it. That was the reason I was brought here, right? He knew the disc had something to do with his transmigration—after all, it was the last thing he had touched before everything went black. But where was it now? Was it in this world too? Would it help him find his way back home, if that's what he wanted?
Shree got up, brushing off the moss from his pants, and began searching around the area, feeling the soft grass beneath his fingertips. Where is it? His mind raced. It has to be here somewhere...
As he moved through the area, he thought about the strange world he was in. If this is a world where people cultivate and seek immortality, where I could become stronger... maybe the disc is part of that system. Maybe I need to unlock its secrets. Or maybe, just maybe... there's a system here, like those in the stories I read.
The system!
Shree stopped mid-thought. Every protagonist in those novels had a system to help them, right? A golden finger, or some kind of power to guide them through this new world. Maybe that's what I need. Maybe it will help me navigate this place and figure out what to do next.
He clenched his fists, the excitement slowly building in his chest. Alright, let's see if this world follows the script.
"System?" he called out hesitantly, his voice breaking the silence of the misty forest. "Golden Finger? Help me out here. Is there anyone who can guide me?"
He waited.
And waited.
Nothing.
The air was eerily still. Shree's brow furrowed as silence enveloped him once again. No system. No golden finger. What now?
He began pacing back and forth, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Maybe it's not like the novels after all. Maybe I'm not supposed to be some hero, some god-like figure. Maybe this world isn't going to give me any easy answers. His mind raced. What if I'm stuck here without any help?
The panic started to rise in his chest. I don't even know how I got here. There's no system, no guidance. Just me and this strange world. His thoughts became jumbled. I can't even go back, can I?
He stopped in his tracks, and an uneasy feeling settled in his stomach. What if I never see my family again? What if I'm trapped in this world forever?
After a while, Shree closed his eyes and took a deep breath. No, I can't think like that. I can't give in to fear. There must be a way. I just need to figure it out, one step at a time.
With a renewed sense of determination, Shree stood tall. I don't know what lies ahead, but I won't give up on myself. I'll find my way, one way or another.
He walked back toward the waterfall, the mist swirling around him as he began his journey in this new world. Whatever challenges lay ahead, Shree was determined to face them head-on.