Kaito Moriyama woke up with a sense of uncertainty, as if he had just woken up from a very realistic dream, but everything felt strange. His vision was blurry, and the air he breathed was fresh—very fresh, unlike the polluted air of his city. He rubbed his eyes and found himself lying on soft grass, which seemed more vibrant and alive than anything he had ever seen.
"What... is this?" Kaito muttered softly, still not fully aware of what was happening. He sat up slowly, trying to stabilize himself. The scenery around him was very different from what he had expected. A seemingly endless forest stretched out before his eyes. Tall trees with blue-tinged leaves created a peaceful atmosphere, yet felt slightly strange. The sunlight filtering through the leaves gave a magical impression, like a scene from a fantasy novel.
"Where... am I?" Kaito wondered, trying to stand up. His body felt lighter, stronger than he remembered. Kaito looked at his hands, which had previously been thin and frail, but now appeared healthier, stronger. When he saw his reflection in a nearby puddle, he was shocked. His face looked much more handsome than before—his black hair was slightly messy, his sharp blue eyes reflected the sky, and his more athletic body made him look different from the Kaito who was often ignored and humiliated.
"Did... I really die?" Kaito muttered, shocked by his changed appearance. "Or... was I given another chance?" However, his question was quickly interrupted by a transparent screen that appeared before his eyes, breaking the silence.
[Status]
Name: Kaito Moriyama
Level: 1
Class: ???
Race: Human
Strength: 100
Endurance: 100
Agility: 100
Mana: 1000
Skill: ???
Kaito was stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief. "What is this... a system? Like in a game?" he thought, almost unable to believe what he was seeing. The screen continued to float before his eyes, showing various options: Skill, Inventory, and Quest.
"This... is another world, right?" Kaito muttered again, trying to understand the situation he was in. "If this is really another world..." Kaito said, "Can I go back to my old world?" However, before he could ask further, a thunderous roar suddenly came from behind the bushes, diverting Kaito's attention.
GRRRRRRR...
The growling sound was loud, and Kaito could feel something big approaching. His heart began to beat faster, and his instincts told him he should leave immediately. He turned around and saw a large shadow moving quickly through the bushes. A monster with a large black body and glowing red eyes appeared before him.
"Monster...?" Kaito muttered, his voice filled with fear. A Level 10 Shadow Wolf stood before him, its red eyes burning with malicious intent, while dark mist surrounded its large and menacing body.
Kaito took a few steps back, looking at the monster with anxiety. "How... do I deal with this?" However, the system screen reappeared, this time displaying clear instructions.
[Skill]
Fireball – Level 1
Mana cost: 50
Description: Releases a fireball that can burn enemies.
Kaito was shocked, seeing the magical ability he never knew he had. "Fireball...?" He looked at his right hand, feeling energy flowing within him. Without much thought, he raised his hand and shouted, "FIREBALL!" Instantly, a large red fireball emerged from his hand, shooting towards the Shadow Wolf that was charging towards him.
A loud explosion sounded when the fireball hit the monster's body, sending it flying several meters backward. "Aoooowww!" The monster let out a painful roar that shook the forest, but it didn't stop. The Shadow Wolf got back up, looking at Kaito with an angry glare.
However, this time, Kaito could see something different in the monster's eyes—a hint of fear. The monster looked at him for a few seconds before finally turning around and fleeing into the darkness of the forest.
Kaito stood still, hardly believing what had just happened. "I... succeeded?" His eyes, still wide with surprise, looked at his hand, which still felt warm from the newfound power flowing within him.
"Is this... a new world?" Kaito wondered again, trying to grasp the situation. "A world better than the old one?" Selena appeared beside him, a gentle smile on her face.
"Yes," she replied, "This world has many wonders, Kaito. Here, you won't be treated like you were in your old world. You can start anew, find your purpose, and maybe, you'll find a reason to live." Kaito looked at Selena, then lowered his head, as if reflecting. "What should I do?" he asked, for the first time feeling a sense of calm with the choices before him.
Selena walked closer, her gentle voice soothing. "You will find your adventure in this world. A world filled with magic, monsters, and opportunities to grow. However, remember—although this world offers many opportunities, you must fight to find your place here."
Kaito nodded slowly, trying to absorb every word Selena had just spoken. How could he survive in this world if he didn't master anything?
"So... how do I start?" Kaito asked, beginning to feel anxious. He didn't know what he should do to survive in this strange new world.
Selena smiled again, her compassionate gaze making Kaito feel more at ease. "The first step is to learn about yourself and this world. I will give you guidance, and you will begin your journey as an adventurer in this world. I cannot give you everything, but I will guide you. Everything depends on your next choices, Kaito."
Kaito took a deep breath, determined to move forward. This world was so new, so full of possibilities, and he knew that tough challenges would come, but he didn't want to give up. Not anymore.
"For the first time in my life, I feel hopeful," Kaito said softly.
Selena smiled gently, as if sensing the anxiety within Kaito, but she didn't reveal it. "Don't worry, Kaito. The first step is always the hardest, but remember, you have strength within you that you haven't fully realized yet. I believe you can do it."
Kaito nodded, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. With Selena's words, he felt more determined to face this new world.
"So, what should I do first?" Kaito asked, trying to focus on the steps he needed to take.
Selena looked at him for a moment with a gentle gaze, then nodded. "I will give you basic information about this world. First, you must understand yourself and the power within you. In this world, everyone has a special ability called mana, and you have an extraordinary ability that you haven't fully understood yet."
"Mana...?" Kaito repeated the word in his mind. He felt like something big was being prepared for him, but he didn't know what would happen next.
"Yes," Selena replied, "Mana is the energy that flows within you, and you can use it to do various things, from magic to extraordinary physical abilities. As time passes, you will be able to master more abilities and strengthen yourself. This world is full of challenges, but you will also find many friends and allies along the way."
Kaito nodded slowly, trying to digest every word Selena had just spoken. How could he survive in this world if he didn't understand anything?
Selena smiled again, her gentle voice soothing. "Don't worry, Kaito. You will learn everything in time. For now, just enjoy your journey and discover the wonders of this world."
With that, Selena disappeared into a soft light, leaving Kaito alone in the vast forest. However, despite feeling alone, Kaito sensed that he wasn't completely alone. He knew that Selena would always be there to guide him.
Kaito looked ahead, gazing at the mysterious forest before him—a world full of wonder, danger, and possibility. He took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination he had never felt before.
With newfound courage, Kaito stepped forward, venturing into the unknown. The journey had just begun, and he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.