A dull throbbing pain coursed through Ethan's skull as he groaned, blinking against the harsh sunlight filtering through the trees. His entire body ached, as if he'd been thrown down a mountainside. His fingers twitched, brushing against damp grass. He inhaled deeply—the air was crisp, fresh, and carried the faint scent of pine.
Wait… grass?
His eyes shot open. The sky above was a brilliant blue, with fluffy white clouds drifting lazily. Birds chirped somewhere in the distance, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves. His mind screamed that something was wrong. He had just been sitting at his desk, playing Genshin Impact, grinding for primogems. So why was he lying on the ground in what looked like—
"…No way."
He sat up abruptly, his body protesting. Looking around, he found himself in a vast field surrounded by towering cliffs. The landscape was hauntingly familiar. Lush green hills stretched before him, dotted with wildflowers, and a crystal-clear river flowed nearby. In the distance, he spotted a walled city resting atop a hill, its towering cathedral and windmill instantly recognizable.
Mondstadt.
His breath caught in his throat.
"This… this isn't real." He rubbed his temples, his thoughts spinning. He had read countless reincarnation stories, fantasized about waking up in a game world, but this? This was impossible.
Before he could spiral into panic, a mechanical ding echoed in his mind.
[Welcome, Player.]
Ethan stiffened.
[Initializing System…]
A translucent blue screen materialized in front of him, lines of text scrolling across it.
Name: Ethan Gray
Level: 1
HP: 100/100
Stamina: 50/50
Elemental Affinity: None
Skills: None
Quests Available: 1
A chill ran down his spine. His heart pounded as he processed the words.
"…I have a system?"
His gaze darted around, half-expecting some godly entity to appear and explain the situation. But the only thing accompanying him was the wind. Hesitantly, he willed the system to show his available quest.
[Tutorial Quest: Survive Your First Day]
Objective: Find shelter, food, and a weapon before nightfall.
Rewards: Beginner's Pack, +100 EXP
Failure Penalty: Increased monster aggression at night.
Ethan exhaled sharply. His hands clenched into fists. This wasn't a dream. He had been reborn into Genshin Impact—with a system that functioned like an RPG. He didn't have time to dwell on the how or why. Right now, he had a mission: survive.
With renewed determination, Ethan staggered to his feet, shaking off his initial panic. His limbs felt weak, his stamina pitifully low, but he wouldn't let that stop him. He needed supplies.
Scanning his surroundings, he spotted an apple tree a short distance away. His stomach growled. With careful steps, he approached and reached up, plucking a few ripe apples. The moment he did, the system chimed again.
[You have obtained (Apple) x3. +5 EXP]
"So even gathering resources gives me EXP…" Ethan mused. That was good to know.
After wolfing down an apple, he turned his attention to the next priority: a weapon. He wasn't foolish enough to think he could fight barehanded. Searching the nearby area, he found a sturdy-looking tree branch. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.
[You have obtained (Crude Wooden Club)]
Attack Power: 5
"Better than nothing," he muttered, gripping it tightly.
As he continued exploring, he reached the edge of the forest and saw something that made his blood run cold. A group of Hilichurls loitered near a campfire, chattering in their guttural language. His grip tightened on his makeshift club.
The sight was surreal. In the game, Hilichurls were just low-level mobs. But here, in reality? They were living, breathing creatures—and they looked far more intimidating up close.
Just as he was about to turn back, the system chimed.
[New Optional Quest: First Blood]
Defeat at least one enemy to earn combat experience.
Rewards: 50 EXP, (Basic Combat Skill: Strike) Unlocked
Failure Penalty: None
Ethan exhaled slowly. Fighting was inevitable. He would have to get used to it sooner rather than later. His fingers curled around the club as he assessed his options.
There were three Hilichurls. One carried a wooden shield, another a club like his, and the last was unarmed. The unarmed one would be the easiest target. If he could take it down fast enough, he might stand a chance.
Alright, let's do this.
He crouched low, creeping through the grass. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. When he was close enough, he clenched his teeth and charged, raising his club.
The Hilichurl barely had time to react before Ethan swung with all his strength.
CRACK!
The impact sent the creature stumbling forward. It screeched in pain, but Ethan didn't stop. He swung again—this time at its head. The creature collapsed with a grunt.
[You have defeated (Hilichurl). +50 EXP]
[New Skill Unlocked: Strike – A basic melee attack that deals increased damage.]
Ethan barely had time to register the notification before the other two Hilichurls roared in anger.
"Oh, crap."
The shield-wielding one charged at him. Thinking fast, Ethan dodged to the side, barely avoiding the incoming blow. His stamina was already depleting at an alarming rate. He needed to finish this quickly.
Using his newly unlocked skill, he swung his club with a Strike attack. The impact was noticeably stronger this time, knocking the shield Hilichurl back. Taking advantage of the opening, he delivered another blow to its exposed side. With a pained grunt, it fell.
The last Hilichurl hesitated, glancing at its fallen comrades. It let out a growl before fleeing into the woods.
Ethan collapsed onto his knees, panting. His body was trembling, his muscles sore. But he was alive.
[Quest Completed: First Blood]
Rewards: +50 EXP, (Basic Combat Skill: Strike) Unlocked
A rush of warmth filled him as the system notification appeared. He checked his status.
Level Up!
Level: 1 → 2 → 3
HP: 100 → 150
Stamina: 50 → 80
New Stat Points Available: 5
He had leveled up. Relief washed over him, but he knew this was only the beginning.
Night was approaching. Ethan wasted no time collecting the spoils—some berries, a broken Hilichurl mask, and a few mora. It wasn't much, but it was proof he had survived his first battle.
The wind carried a familiar scent, and he turned toward the distant lights of Mondstadt. A city of safety, but also a place where powerful figures resided. If he wanted to thrive in this world, he had to get stronger.
For now, he had a single goal:
Reach Mondstadt and figure out his place in this world.
As he walked toward the city, the system chimed again.
[Main Quest Unlocked: A New Journey]
Objective: Reach Mondstadt and register as an adventurer.
Rewards: 200 EXP, Starter Weapon Selection.
Ethan smirked.
"Alright, Teyvat. Let's see what you've got."
— End of Chapter 1 —