Haru felt the world twist. One moment, he had been in his dimly lit apartment, the glow of his computer screen reflecting off a can of cheap energy drink.
The next, the very fabric of reality folded around him, his body yanked through an unseen force, his vision flickering between darkness and an endless sea of golden light.
Then—impact.
The air was ripped from his lungs as he slammed onto something solid. He coughed, trying to process the sudden shift. Around him, the screams of thousands echoed through the air, panic spreading like wildfire. His head throbbed as he forced himself to sit up.
A medieval city stretched before him. Towering stone walls surrounded them, lined with banners of deep crimson and black. The buildings were built from wood and stone, reminiscent of an old European fantasy setting. A massive cathedral loomed at the center, its stained glass windows shimmering under the light of an artificial sun.
People—**a lot of people**—were sprawled across the cobblestone streets, dazed and confused. Some clutched their heads, others screamed, and a few were already breaking down into sobs.
*What the hell is this?*
Haru's thoughts barely had time to settle before the world shuddered again. The sky, an unnatural shade of deep blue, **rippled** as if it were a reflection in disturbed water. A deep, chilling voice rang out from nowhere and everywhere at once.
**"Welcome, Survivors. You have been chosen."**
The words sent an unnatural chill down Haru's spine. He turned his gaze upward. A massive **figure of pure darkness** loomed in the sky, **faceless yet all-seeing**. Its presence alone crushed the air with an overwhelming force.
**"This world is your trial. Survive, grow stronger, and become worthy."**
**"The only rule: Grow as powerful as possible."**
Then, the sky brightened, the figure vanishing as if it had never been there. The screams resumed, but now **they were mixed with questions, arguments, and rising fear.**
Haru's breath came in short, ragged gasps. This wasn't a dream. He could feel the cold stone beneath him, the air thick with the scent of dust and sweat. His hands trembled as he clenched them into fists.
Then—something **dinged** in his ears.
---
### **The System Awakens**
A glowing blue **window** appeared before his eyes.
**[SYSTEM ACTIVATING…]**
**[Assigning Talent…]**
**[Calculating Aptitude…]**
Haru's heart pounded as he read the words, his breath shallow. Around him, people gasped as similar screens materialized before them. Some shouted in excitement.
**[Talent Assigned: None.]**
Silence.
His breath hitched.
**[You have no inherent talent. Your growth rate is significantly lower.]**
**[Survival odds: 0.02%.]**
Haru's fingers clenched.
He turned to the people around him, scanning their faces. A man nearby cheered.
**"I got Sword Saint! Hell yeah!"**
Another girl gasped. **"Flameborn Magus?"**
Excitement spread like wildfire as people read their talents—**Heroic Warrior, Blessed Archer, Elemental Conduit…**
And yet—Haru had **nothing**.
His throat went dry.
No talent. No starting advantage. **No future.**
The system didn't even give Haru time to process his despair before the true nightmare began.
A monstrous **roar** split the air.
The city trembled as **the gates exploded open**, and out poured **goblins.**
Dozens—no, **hundreds**—of twisted, green-skinned creatures with jagged teeth, glowing red eyes, and rusted weapons.
Haru's stomach turned. **They were fast.**
Screams erupted as the goblins surged forward, their shrieks like nails on a chalkboard. People panicked. Some tried to fight, others tried to run.
Haru's instincts screamed at him to move.
"Form a party! We need to fight together!" someone shouted.
A group of people banded together, their system abilities activating. Fireballs and sword slashes cut through the goblins, tearing them apart.
Haru ran toward a group that looked strong. "Let me join!"
They barely glanced at him.
"You got no talent?!" One of them, a tall warrior with a glowing axe, scoffed. "Screw off, deadweight!"
Before he could argue, **they turned away.**
Another goblin lunged at him. Haru barely dodged, **its rusted dagger slicing across his arm.** Blood spurted.
Pain. Real pain.
He stumbled, panting, heart racing. He was going to die.
---
### **Abandoned and Left for Dead**
Haru tried again.
"Please! I'll do anything! I just need to survive—"
A woman with a bow sneered at him. "Should've been born lucky."
Another one laughed. "Yeah. Good luck, loser."
Then—**they left him.**
Haru was **alone.**
The goblins closed in.
His breathing turned ragged. No weapon. No allies. No way to fight back.
One of them—a larger goblin with a wicked grin—**drove its jagged blade toward his chest.**
*I'm going to die.*
*No. No, I refuse to die like this!*
Haru **lunged** to the side at the last moment. The blade **grazed his ribs**, but he stayed on his feet. **He ran.**
His body burned, blood dripping from his wounds.
He wasn't strong. He wasn't special. **He was just running on sheer desperation.**
The goblins chased him—until one of them finally caught up, slamming a club into his back.
His body **hit the ground hard.**
**Pain exploded through his ribs.**
The goblin laughed, raising its weapon for the final blow.
Haru **reached out**—not for a weapon, but for mercy.
"P-Please… someone…"
The goblin's club came down.
Then—**a flash of steel.**
Blood sprayed.
The goblin's **head rolled across the ground.**
Haru gasped, looking up at the person who saved him.
It was one of his old party members. A tall man with a greatsword, his armor stained with goblin blood.
Relief flooded Haru's chest. "T-Thank you—"
The man barely looked at him. "Tch. Still alive?"
Haru froze.
Another party member, a man with daggers, sneered. "Not for long. Just leave him. He's a waste of potions."
They **turned away.**
Haru's vision blurred.
"No… Please…" He reached toward them, **begging.**
The man sighed, tossing a weak **health potion** at him.
"Fine. Here. Don't waste it."
Then—they **left him behind.**