Chapter 4: Chapter 1: New life

The monotonous ringing of the alarm clock pierced the silence of the room, and I reached wearily for my phone on the small nightstand. The bright screen briefly blinded my still sleep-filled eyes as I silenced the recurring melody of the alarm. The darkness of the bedroom seemed almost unchanged, and the reality of the impending day slowly began to p*netrate my sluggish mind.

With a sigh, I sat up, the blankets rustling softly. The room was filled with a quiet morning calm, only interrupted by the muted light seeping through the curtains. My gaze wandered around the room, as if trying to reconcile myself with reality. The memories of the strange, surreal dream with a white room, a black door, a tree in ruins, and a blockhouse faded slowly, as I turned to the sobering reality of my everyday life.

The first steps of the morning led me slowly away from the bed. Still drowsy, I left my room and headed to the kitchen. The floor felt cool beneath my feet, and the jumbled thoughts of the previous night's dream gradually faded into the background. With a bored yawn, I stood in the empty living room. The furniture stood in its usual places, and the faint hum of the refrigerator permeated the silence.

Upon reaching the kitchen, I opened the cupboard and grabbed a white mug, placing it under the coffee maker. A quick press of a button, a humming sound, and the coffee began to flow into the cup. The pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room. I turned to the refrigerator and retrieved a plate of meatballs and rice. While the coffee maker did its job, I heard the familiar beeping signaling that the coffee was ready. I took the cup and went to the dining table.

"Ketchup or mayo?" I thought aloud, ultimately deciding to mix both with the rice. The savory scent of meatballs and freshly brewed coffee mingled pleasantly in the air. It was as if the delicious aroma was dispelling the last traces of the night's dream. The morning sun painted gentle patterns on the floor, and I let the familiar routine of breakfast accompany me into the new day. It seemed as if the dream had never happened, as if it had been merely a fleeting play of thoughts in the night.

After finishing my meal and taking the last sip of coffee, I went back to the kitchen with the used dishes. I placed the plates and the mug in the dishwasher, pressing the power button for a few seconds until a few LED lights lit up, accompanied by a short melody. Another button press closed the door, and a soft hum ensued. Satisfied with the task completed, I made my way back to my room.

There, I retrieved my school uniform from beneath a stack of manga I had read the night before. The thought of the impending school day brought a touch of resignation. I entered the bathroom, where I took off my pajamas and placed them in a wooden hamper next to a frosted glass door. Then I stepped into the shower.

Turning on the water, warm water flowed over my head from the showerhead. A pleasant feeling of relaxation swept over me. "That feels good," I murmured softly as the warm stream seemed to wash away the morning stress. The sound of rushing water formed a soothing melody, and for a moment, I could push aside thoughts of the upcoming school day and simply enjoy the moment.

After the shower, I squeezed into my blue and white school uniform. I returned to my room, unplugged my phone from the charger, and cast a resigned glance at the clock. With my school bag in hand, I left the apartment and headed to school. Each step felt like a small challenge as the Monday morning unfolded before me. My gaze shifted to my phone, and I couldn't help but hope that the day would pass quickly, bringing the weekend closer.

As I walked to school, I greeted my teacher and friends. Loid, one of my classmates, approached me, saying, "Hey Zero, did you finally finish reading the book?" With a sheepish smile, I replied, "Sorry, not yet. The beginning was so boring that I thought I might as well sleep." Loid reacted angrily and retorted, "Then give me back my book if it was that boring." I apologized to him and handed him the book as we continued toward school.

After enjoying my dinner on the balcony, I returned to the living room. However, my intention to spend the rest of the evening relaxing on the sofa was abruptly interrupted. A shattering sound pierced the air, as if multiple windows had been broken. Suddenly, a black void surrounded me, and I felt myself plummeting. Panic seized me, and I frantically searched for a way to stop the free fall. The ground approached relentlessly, and I braced myself for impact.

But then something unexpected happened – I was floating in the air. Bewildered, I looked around and noticed a girl my age holding me. She had beautiful brown hair and calming blue eyes. Her face radiated a mix of apology and helpfulness. In soft steps, she approached and apologized for the inexplicable event. Her presence fascinated me, and I sensed that this encounter promised something extraordinary.

"I'm sorry that happened," she said gently, placing a hand on my shoulder. Her tone was soothing, and I felt the panic slowly receding. The immediate threat seemed to dissipate, and I could gather myself better.

"Who are you? What happened here?" I stammered, trying to comprehend the reality around me. My gaze shifted from her gentle smile to her blue eyes, expressing a blend of apology and willingness to help.

I extended my hand as the girl offered hers, pulling me up. Impressed, I watched as she conjured two wooden chairs with silky velvet cushions with a snap of her fingers. We sat down, and the girl brushed her silky brown hair back before saying, "I'm surprised you didn't scream or look astonished when you fell down here."

I just looked at her and crossed my arms over my chest. "I've read some stories where heroes are summoned to save the world, but screaming only damages the vocal cords. Besides, it was only ten meters, so a few broken bones wouldn't make much difference, and that's it." Of course, that was a lie; I just wanted to appear cool to her.

The girl looked at me and started laughing. "Hardly anyone has said that. Most people who have been here were scared, angry, or very sad. Very few were so calm as to just come down." I smiled a little. "It's not every day you get summoned, let alone fall down."

The girl nodded and snapped her fingers again. Suddenly, a thin book appeared with the title "Dear Zero" on the cover.

As I held the book, I was initially confused. "Uh, my name is written here. Is that normal?" I asked the girl named Sachi. She just nodded and smiled at me. I opened the book and began reading. "My dear son Zero, if you're reading this, I'm already dead, but don't worry. Oh, and the girl in front of you is called..." I read aloud. So, my father had indeed left me a book to help me on my journey.

Sachi explained that she was one of the guides and would accompany me once I reached a certain status. I could choose three abilities, kept low by a system, and the higher my status, the stronger they would become. I could check the effects of my abilities through a system window, including the strength and consumption of my magic reserves. There were also skills that didn't consume reserves and could be used as often as I wanted.

I continued reading, trying to decipher the rest, but it was too blurry. Sachi patiently explained that I could only read the rest once I had become stronger on my journey. "This sounds like an RPG," I said to Sachi. "But what did my father have to do with this world?"

Sachi didn't directly answer my question but formed a cross with her fingers. "You'll have to find out for yourself," she said with a mysterious smile. "But now, to the essentials: You can choose three abilities." I already knew exactly which abilities I wanted.

"First, the ability to manipulate time at will," I began, feeling the anticipation of this powerful ability. "Second, the ability to reshape things I see." My thoughts wandered to the idea of shaping the world around me according to my imagination. "And finally, the ability to steal abilities and skills from others." A smile crossed my face as I imagined expanding my arsenal of skills.

Sachi nodded approvingly. "An interesting choice. These abilities will surely be useful on your journey."

With another snap of her fingers, the book disappeared, and Sachi stood up. "Ready to start your journey, Zero?" she asked with an encouraging smile.

Sachi nodded in agreement and snapped her fingers again.

As I looked at the purple screen in front of my face, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a game. The purple screen emitted a gentle glow, and I was eager to explore my newly chosen abilities. Clicking on the "Magic" button, I saw that all my abilities were at level zero. I then navigated to "Building" and read the description: "This magic allows the user to create very small things, provided they touch the material they want to transform."

I moved on to "Copycat," which stated: "This ability allows the user to copy any ability for three minutes, provided they touch the person." Finally, I clicked on "Clock," which said: "This ability allows the user to surround their body with time magic. It lasts for three seconds and can only be used once a day."

Disappointed, I looked up at Sachi and said, "These are not the abilities I wanted." Sachi laughed and replied, "Of course they are. They are just heavily weakened versions of the ones you wished for. It would be boring if you were the strongest from the start. You have to start from the bottom and work your way up – that's the principle of weakening and strengthening." I couldn't help but grin at the upcoming adventure. "This is going to be very exciting," I said. "So, when do we start?" Sachi gracefully rose from her seat and said, "The journey begins now. Follow me, Zero." With these words, she led me out of the mysterious room and into a new world full of possibilities and adventures.

Standing before Sachi, she showed me a spiral staircase slowly forming. In a calm voice, she explained that I should climb the stairs and would soon arrive at my destination. She pointed out that my appearance and clothing might be adjusted to the world's standard during the transfer, randomly generated. A slight nod from me signaled my understanding, and I rose from my chair. I approached the spiral staircase and bid farewell to Sachi, ready to enter the unknown.

The spiral staircase felt strangely real, and with each step, I felt the surroundings changing. After a short while, I spotted a wooden door with a golden doorknob. Without hesitation, I reached for the knob and turned it slowly. Initially, fog spread out before me, and I thought there must be a lake nearby for a much-needed bath. However, as the fog cleared, a breathtaking scene unfolded. I was high above the clouds, the sun casting its golden rays over a landscape of forests, rivers, and small towns. A massive gorge cut through the area.

However, my amazement was abruptly interrupted when the step I stood on suddenly gave way, and I plummeted into the abyss. Panicking, I exclaimed, "Wait, wait, wait! This is not a joke now; it

's easily twenty kilometers!" Amidst my desperate outcry, I was enveloped in a blinding light, and my clothing changed. I looked incredulously at my jacket and shoulder bag. Anger slowly rose within me because it seemed like this was all a cruel joke. I could have used at least a parachute or a teleportation ability to avoid falling to my death.

But then a small window appeared, stating, "In ten minutes and fifty-nine seconds, the Clock ability will activate to protect the user from harm." A relieved sigh escaped my chest, and I relaxed. "And here I thought I was a goner," I thought to myself. During the long fall, I could see the ground and noticed I was enveloped in a blue membrane. With a loud thud, I hit the ground, but the earth gave way, cushioning the impact somewhat.

I picked myself up and brushed myself off when suddenly, I felt something sharp on my forehead. Before I could break it off, my attention was diverted by a ringing in my pocket. I reached in and pulled out a cellphone. A broad grin spread across my face. "A cellphone in a fantasy world? That's something you don't come across every day."

The cellphone was unlocked, and I found a missed call from Sachi. With a click on her name, I initiated a callback. A male voice answered on the other end: "Good day, Mr. Amane?" I nodded in agreement and asked, "Yes, that's me. May I ask who's speaking? You don't sound like Sachi." After a brief pause, the voice spoke again: "I'm sorry, but for various reasons, I can't tell you who I am. Your guide has said that you need to level up all your abilities to level nine before you can meet and learn more about your stepfather. So, enjoy yourself in this world, Zero Amane – oh no, should I say Zero Hiroshima?"

I cringed briefly when I heard my old last name that I had abandoned years ago. I yelled into the phone, "Don't mention that last name! I dropped it years ago!" A small beep sounded, and the call ended. I could hardly believe it. Why had this person called me Zero Hiroshima? That wasn't my name. I felt my throat constricting, trying to grasp what had just happened. Why did I feel like this person knew more than they had revealed? I was confused and frightened at the same time.

I took a deep breath and gave myself a slap with my right hand to refocus my thoughts on the present. "Doesn't help now," I said to myself. "What's done is done." I stood up and looked around. I was on a vast meadow. The air was much clearer and fresher than at home. The warm sunlight, just recently hidden by a few clouds, shone down on me. I held my hand in front of my eyes and stowed away my cellphone. "I don't need it right now," I thought. I took a few steps forward, feeling the soft grass beneath my feet. The vastness of the meadow and the beauty of nature around me made me momentarily forget where I was and what had happened. But then the memory of the recent call came rushing back, and the feeling of uncertainty and confusion returned. Who was the caller, and what did they want from me? And why had they called me Zero Hiroshima? I had abandoned that surname years ago. I shook my head to dispel these thoughts and began to explore the area. Perhaps I would find something here that would help me understand the situation.

I walked towards a nearby forest, allowing myself to be inspired by the beauty of nature surrounding me. It was as if I was free.

I flinched briefly when I heard my old surname. The words "Zero Hiroshima" pierced me like lightning. A cry escaped me as I yelled into the phone, "Don't mention that last name! I dropped it years ago!" A small beep sounded, and the call abruptly ended. A feeling of confusion and horror overwhelmed me. Why had this person addressed me by my old name? That's not my name anymore! My heart pounded, and I felt my throat constricting. I tried to comprehend the events and calm myself. Why was my old name suddenly relevant again?

I took a deep breath and gave myself a slap with my right hand to refocus my thoughts on the present. "Doesn't help now," I said to myself. "What's done is done." I stood up and looked around. A vast meadow stretched out before me, bathed in warm sunlight. The clear air and the beauty of nature tried to calm my agitated feelings. I held my left hand in front of my left eye and then stowed away my phone. "I don't need it now," I thought.

I took a few steps forward, feeling the soft grass beneath my feet. The expanse of the meadow and the beauty of nature made me momentarily forget where I was and what had happened. But then the memory of the recent call returned, and the feeling of uncertainty came back. Who was the caller, and what did they want from me? And why had they called me Zero Hiroshima? I had abandoned that surname years ago. I shook my head to dispel these thoughts and began to explore the area. Perhaps I would find something here that would help me understand the situation. I walked towards a nearby forest, allowing myself to be inspired by the beauty of nature surrounding me. It was as if I was free.

As I looked at my shadow, I suddenly noticed something on my head. I pulled out my phone again and activated the camera to take a closer look. To my surprise, I discovered two horns on my forehead. As I examined myself further, I noticed that my hairline was white. I sighed and thought, "Great, now I look like a grandpa in his fifties, where the black hair slowly starts to turn white."

My eyes were also changed. My left eye displayed a red cross, while my right eye had four black rings and three white rings. I felt like a complete freak. Suddenly, my phone began to heat up, and it crackled before I dropped it in pain. As I went to pick it up again, I saw that it was glowing blue and disappearing into many small particles. A blue screen appeared in the air, and I read the text aloud: "The object Smartphone is being converted into a hologram, with a storage duration of 19 days." Confused and puzzled, I stared at the vanishing blue screen. Did that mean my phone was disappearing? After some thought, I shook my head and decided not to dwell on it. I looked towards the mountains and decided to go. The blue screen disappeared when I stopped looking at it. I set off, wondering what would happen next.

After what felt like hours of walking, I noticed the air becoming heavier and the wind picking up. A sense of rain hung in the air. Determined, I quickened my pace, but when I finally looked up, the sun had already left its place in the sky, and the rain began to pour down in heavy drops. I quickly pulled the hood of my coat over my head, but a frustrated sigh escaped me as I realized that my horns were tearing through the hood, leaving my face exposed to the precipitation. The rain soaked my clothes, and I longed for a dry place.

When I reached some sort of road, I hoped for shelter soon. But the rain intensified, and even my socks were now soaked through. My thoughts turned to the nearest town, where hopefully a tailor could be found who could make me a hood to fit my horns.

Suddenly, I spotted a mountain pass opening up before me. With a glimmer of hope, I ran towards it, expecting to find shelter under a rocky overhang. The sight of a small stone cottage in the pass piqued my curiosity. The building was adorned with glowing runes that seemed mysterious to me. Determined to find shelter from the storm, I approached the stone cottage.

When I arrived, the door opened, and an old woman appeared in the frame. Her face was lined with wrinkles, and her eyes seemed to tell many life stories. I dared to politely ask for shelter, and the woman kindly invited me into her abode. The warm breath of the interior greeted me, and I felt a wave of relief as the door closed behind me.

She instructed me to remove my wet clothes and offered me a bath. I could hear the sound of running water at the end of the hallway as I removed my wet shoes, socks, and jacket. I hung my shoulder bag on a wooden coat rack and followed the sound of water.

As I walked down the hallway, I saw a young man around my age who looked at me angrily and threw a towel at me. "Dry yourself off with that, demon," he said before disappearing into one of the rooms. I was somewhat taken aback by his behavior, but I thanked him and rubbed my hair and pants dry with the towel. I entered the room where the young man had disappeared and saw a small crystal that shone so brightly it illuminated the entire room. I was impressed by its beauty and wondered what significance it held. I wanted to touch it, but the old lady pulled me by the shirt and said, "The bath is ready, can you please go to the bath with Leo?" I stood there and watched Leo argue with his grandmother about the situation. I could sense that he was not pleased when he said, "But Grandma, I can't take a bath with a stranger, that's a bit weird." However, his grandmother ignored him and went into the kitchen.

I looked at Leo and said, "I won't eat you either." Leo looked at me angrily and replied, "We'll see about that. Before you kill me, you'll already be underground." Then he snorted past me and disappeared behind the next door. I could sense that demons in this world were apparently just as hated as in other stories or movies.

I got into the bathtub, and Leo watched me closely. He said, "Guess you're not a follower of the king, at least that's something good." I replied, "What do you have against me? I haven't done anything, and most importantly, I'm not a demon fixated on killing. After all, I was raised by humans." Leo grinned and replied "I hate demons who look like humans, and secondly, your parents probably never told you that demons are only here to enslave or eat humans."

I sighed and said, "I don't know what you have against me that you hate me so much, but I'm not a cannibal or a slave trader. Even your grandma has nothing against me." Leo looked out the window and replied, "I hate your kind because they pretend to be good at first, but in the end, they betray you. And my grandma is blind, she might not even know you're a demon." I got out of the tub and said, "Then I'll tell her I'm a human-looking demon and accept any punishment." I dried myself off and put on the clothes that were there. There was a note with something written on it; I think it was my clothes. Then I went to the kitchen and thanked them for their hospitality. I was about to tell Grandma that I was a demon when she interrupted me and said, "That you're a demon, I may be blind, but my hearing hasn't gotten worse because of it." Grandma smiled gently and continued, "I used to be in a group where we killed your kind, but there are always exceptions. Not everything that looks like evil is evil." Grandma turned around and continued cooking.

I decided to accept her offer and stay here overnight. The rain would probably continue overnight. I sat on the fur-covered couch. Leo came into the living room with a little girl who looked sleepy. I was surprised and asked him, "Uh, Leo, don't tell me that's your girlfriend, isn't she a bit too young?" I grinned. The girl looked at me and then came to me, sitting next to me and fell asleep on my lap. I looked at Leo questioningly, "Don't ask me, she's just tired, no wonder she's still a child, and I don't have such a kink! She's my little sister, and you surely have a name, right?" I nodded, "Yes, I have one, Zero Amane, that's my name." Leo sat next to me, "And what are your parents like?" I looked up at the ceiling, "My mother was very devout and never really paid me any attention, and my father was a very cheerful nature and did a lot with me, unfortunately, he passed away, and what's your sister's name?" Grandma came with two bowls filled with soup and some meat, "Her name is Marie, here's the soup with some big meat." Leo and I took the bowls and ate them, "this big meat is very juicy and tough at the same time." Leo looked at me with a questioning look, "Have you never eaten big meat before? It's very cheap in the market." I shook my head, "no, I'm eating it for the first time, but it tastes like pork or beef."

Leo wanted to say something when there was a knock on the door. Leo stood up and reached out, the air became very cold and small ice particles flew through the air, forming a sword with a blue blade, "Zero, I still don't trust you, but please watch my sister and grandma for a moment, okay?" I nodded. Leo went to the door, and a loud scraping, sounding like metal rubbing against each other, could be heard. I ran towards the front door, "something's wrong, a traveler wouldn't knock so hard in this storm without shouting, let alone saying anything!" Leo looked at me in shock, "I took Leo's sword and stabbed it into the door, something flew through the door and grazed Leo. Grandma came and opened the door, seeing a man holding an icy wound on his leg, "Um, Zero, doesn't the cold bother you?" Leo asked, "Huh, why shoul..." I suddenly felt a burning pain in my left hand and dropped the sword, and it shattered into many ice splinters, my arm was half frozen with a thin layer of ice. Grandma leaned towards the man, something foggy and black flew over her, and the ground got small cracks, "Naughty rascals must be punished." The door slammed shut. I looked at the door again and turned around and went back to the living room.

Leo asked Marie from the first floor to get some blankets. She nodded and went upstairs, returning with three blankets. She threw one to Leo and one to me. She sat next to me, leaned against me, and soon fell asleep.

When I woke up, I noticed that Marie had used me as a pillow again. I looked at her in surprise and muttered softly to myself, "I'm not a pillow." At that moment, Grandma came into the room with a tray full of bread and hot tea. She handed it to me, saying, "Here, have some warm tea. You cried in your sleep." I accepted the tea gratefully, trying to hide my tears. "No, everything's fine. I just had an unusual sleeping position," I replied to reassure her.

Grandma took a bite of bread, and I took a cautious sip of tea. "Tastes like barley tea," I remarked. Grandma looked at me curiously. "Barley tea? Yesterday, you mentioned pork and beef. Can you explain what that is?" she asked with curiosity. I looked at Grandma and took another sip of tea before explaining, "Uh, how do I explain this best... The meat yesterday, for example, tasted like pork or beef. Those are animals we humans roast or cook to eat. Pigs are somewhat pink, and cattle are rather large with horns, but both don't eat meat; they eat plants. And barley tea is made from grains, but that's all I know, unfortunately," I explained as well as I could.

Grandma nodded understandingly and asked further, "And what's the place you come from called?" I looked at Grandma briefly and hesitated for a moment before answering, "The country is called Japan." Grandma looked at me in confusion. "Japan? I've never heard of that place. It must be outside of Drokin," she concluded.

Grandma looked at me and asked, "What is your goal?" I thought for a moment and replied, "Huh, my goal?" Grandma nodded and said, "A journey without a goal is more like a journey without any motivation." I stroked my chin thoughtfully. "I guess I want to lead an exciting life." Grandma sighed and responded, "That's not a goal but a way to face life. A goal is something you really want to achieve, and when you achieve it, you can say that your life had meaning."

I looked up at the ceiling and thought deeply. "To be a hero, like in stories or legends, and experience many adventures. I know it sounds childish, but that's what I want to become," I finally said. "A hero, huh," Grandma murmured. I nodded and looked out the window. "I think it's time for me to move on slowly." Grandma looked at me and snapped her fingers. A small flash of light illuminated the room, and a small yellow gem appeared in her hand. She handed me the gem. "Take this as thanks for helping my grandson yesterday." I looked at the little stone and put it in my pocket.

"Thank you for the gift. I will come back here one day and sincerely show my gratitude for your hospitality," I promised Grandma. I put on my dry clothes and headed to the front door. As I turned around, I saw Grandma standing there with a warm smile. "I'll be on my way then. Oh yes, before I forget, please tell them that I'll still visit despite them maybe not liking it." Grandma nodded understandingly. "Take care. The next village is about half a day from here." I nodded gratefully. "Thank you, I'll take care of myself." I opened the front door and set out on my journey.

After a while, I entered a dense forest. The trees towered above me, and sunlight only sparsely penetrated the leafy canopy. "I think I'll take a short break here. These shoes are definitely not suitable for long distances," I thought and wearily sank onto the moss-covered forest floor. My gaze fell on a yellow apple high up in one of the trees. I decided to climb the tree and pick the apple.

With skillful movements, I swung from branch to branch, higher and higher. My heart pounded with excitement and effort. Finally, I reached the yellow apple and plucked it. I examined the juicy fruit in my hand, feeling a sense of satisfaction. But suddenly, an idea struck me. "I can finally test my ability," I said to myself.

I took some dirt into my hand and concentrated. I felt the mana pulsating within me as I used my ability to interact with the things I touched. I molded the earth to my will, transforming it into a razor-sharp structure. It worked! I could create an earth dagger. A broad grin spread across my face. "Hope it works," I muttered as I formed the earth dagger and tried to cut the apple. However, the dagger crumbled back into earth. "Darn, didn't work. I should probably use stones or wood for now,"

I was fascinated by my ability and immediately began to train it further. I practiced shaping various elements, experimented with the possibilities my ability offered, and felt like I was getting better with each attempt. Time flew by as I indulged in my newfound powers.

Suddenly, a deafening roar echoed through the sky, and I instinctively looked up. To my amazement, I saw dozens of dragons majestically flying overhead. Their immense wings stretched wide as they glided elegantly through the air. I could see their sharp claws and teeth, and their roars sent shivers down my spine.

Fascinated, I watched the spectacle, all the while trying to transform a stick into a spear. It was clear that this world had much more to offer than I had imagined. I began to wonder if there were other plant species and creatures here that I hadn't discovered yet. My thirst for knowledge was awakened, and I couldn't wait to learn more about this fascinating world.

I looked at the dragons with awe-inspiring respect but also a hint of caution. I knew I had to be wary of these powerful creatures to ensure my own survival. Nevertheless, I was thrilled by the diversity and beauty of the world around me.

As I continued walking, I resolved to explore my surroundings even more closely. I was eager to see if, during my journey, I would encounter different plant species, animals, or perhaps even other intelligent beings. The idea of being in a world full of unknown wonders and adventures filled me with excitement and curiosity. I decided to continue my journey, remaining open to everything this world had in store for me.

As the sun slowly set, I chose to move on. I packed my backpack and rose from my spot in the forest. With my earth dagger in hand, I felt stronger and more confident. I was ready to explore the unknown and face the challenges on my adventure. With a firm resolve, I set out to continue my journey, ready to continue using my abilities and carve my own path.

After about two hours of walking, I spotted something green and round rolling directly towards me. My instinct told me I'd better run, so I set my legs in motion and sprinted as fast as I could. However, when I glanced back, I was horrified to find that the rock I had hoped for had disappeared, and a colossal shadow loomed over me. I looked up and saw the enormous entity rushing towards me at breakneck speed. Panic seized me, and I exclaimed, "Oh, shit! This thing can jump too. How on earth am I going to handle this?"

My eyes caught a nearby rock, and I pinned my hopes on it, hoping it would provide at least some protection for a while. I reached the rock and placed my hand on it for support. To my relief, I noticed that many small spikes had emerged on its surface as I touched it. It seemed the rock had developed some kind of natural defense.

The shadow fell over me again, and I quickly jumped down from the rock just as I heard a loud crash. The monster had landed with full force on the rock, but due to its natural defense, it seemed temporarily immobilized. I approached cautiously to get a better look at the creature. Its skin felt unexpectedly leathery, and I was fascinated by the details and texture of its skin. It was evident that I was dealing with an extraordinary creature; a purple window appeared right in front of my face:

SYSTEM NOTIFICATION:

Level 1 achieved!

Congratulations! By successfully defeating an Eon Ciop, you have reached the first level. As a reward, all your abilities receive one point. You now have the opportunity to further enhance your abilities to become even stronger. When you reach ten points, a skill will be upgraded, amplifying its effect.

Keep up the good work and explore the world to master more challenges and acquire even more powerful abilities!

I stared happily at the purple window that had appeared before me. "So, I just need to defeat more of these creatures, like in a game," I thought, fascinated. It felt almost unreal that I could improve my abilities by defeating opponents. Normally, it would take years to gather enough equipment and experience, but here it seemed to be easier.

After a short break, I continued my journey by retracing my steps along the path I had come from. "Now, I mustn't get lost," I told myself, trying to pay attention to my surroundings to avoid missing the way back. I was motivated to take on more challenges and improve my abilities further to succeed in this world. It felt almost like a video game, but with real consequences. I was curious about the adventures and battles that awaited me.

As the sun had already set, I discovered a small village near a lake. I was relieved and thought, "Finally, civilization. I was starting to worry I had gotten lost." It was surprising that any village existed in this remote area. As I approached the village, I contemplated the wonder that apparently only this one Eon Ciop lived in the forest.

Suddenly, I saw two torches approaching me. The men carrying the torches looked frightened and held pitchforks in front of them. "A demon! A humanoid demon has appeared!" one of the men exclaimed. Immediately, I raised my hands in a defensive gesture, trying to explain myself: "Um, I'm not an evil demon. I may look like one, but I come in peace..."

The men were skeptical and stared at me suspiciously. They seemed trapped in their fear and were not willing to believe me. I felt their tension and tried to stay calm not to escalate the situation. I knew that my outward appearance, resembling that of a humanoid demon, was perceived as threatening by the villagers.

I continued my explanations, emphasizing that I meant no harm and came in peace. However, the men still kept their pitchforks ready for defense. I realized I needed to do more to gain their trust.

So, I slowly lowered my hands and tried to adopt a soothing tone. I explained that I had received the yellow gem in my pocket from friendly people in the mountain pass. I hoped this information would ease their fear a bit and make them realize I was not a threat.

The men and I remained at an impasse when suddenly, a woman in a white robe stepped in between. She seemed to have some authority over the men and instructed them to lower their pitchforks. "This stone is from the former fighter in the mountain pass." The men obeyed reluctantly, and I was relieved that the situation was de-escalating.

The woman still looked at me skeptically, but I felt she was more open-minded than the men. I explained my situation to her again, emphasizing that I had no evil intentions. After a moment of contemplation, the woman finally nodded and accepted my words. "If that's the case, you're really not our enemy or rather harmless," she said, and I breathed a sigh of relief.

It was a small step forward, but I was grateful that I was no longer seen as a threat. I hoped that I now had the opportunity to communicate with the villagers and could stay here for the night.

I thanked the villagers politely and followed them to the enormous wooden house designated as my accommodation for the next few days. It was impressive with a grand balcony and three stories reaching high into the sky. The wood was meticulously crafted and adorned, indicating the villagers' craftsmanship and attention to detail. As I approached the house, I noticed the beautiful flower bed behind it. The blue and white flowers glowed mysteriously in the darkness, and some of them took the shape of small red birds, piquing my curiosity. I couldn't help but step closer to examine the plants. Some were brown and whistled softly in the wind, while others appeared as if they were on fire. "They look beautiful; I wish I could have some," I said.

Entering the house, I was greeted by a warm, inviting aroma that immediately made me feel welcome. The interior was as impressive as the exterior of the house, adorned with intricately carved wooden furniture, colorful rugs, and cozy fireplace nooks. "The residents really put in effort," I thought.

I was welcomed by an older resident of the house, who extended hospitality to my temporary new home. He shared the history of the house and how it had been maintained by his family for generations. I listened attentively to his stories, sensing the connection this house held for the old man.

I asked the man who greeted me about the special plants, and he explained that they were known in the village for their unique flora and fauna. He told me that these luminous flowers were called "Luminous Sky Flowers," and the small red plants were "Bird Paradises." It was fascinating to hear how nature in the village was so extraordinary.

The man offered me a cup of warm "Sky Tea." Gratefully, I accepted and followed him to the balcony, offering a breathtaking view of the lake. The four moons reflected in the calm waters, and the stars sparkled in the sky. While enjoying the tea, the man shared more about the village and its residents. He explained that they were a small, close-knit community living secluded in the midst of the forest. They had their own way of life, in harmony with nature and its unique customs. I was fascinated by the stories and traditions of the village, asking many questions. The man was patient, answering all my queries with a smile. It was evident that the villagers were proud of their home and were eager to share it with others.

After finishing our tea, the man invited me to stay in the village and learn more about their culture. Grateful for his hospitality, I gladly accepted. It was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the life and customs of this remote village. In the following days, I got to know the villagers and was fascinated by the diversity of beings living here. There were elves, dwarves, and even half-animal people, including creatures I had never heard of before, neither in manga nor in books. It was like a world from fairy tales and legends.

Despite my initial differences in appearance and my unusual presence, the villagers became friendlier and more open to me. They showed me their traditional dances and songs, and I assisted in preparing their local dishes. It was a wonderful experience to learn about their culture and culinary secrets. However, I also noticed that due to my appearance, there were moments when some villagers didn't fully trust me. Some were cautious, observing me from a distance, while others were curious and bombarded me with questions about my origin and abilities. I made an effort to understand their concerns and adapt to gain their trust.

I took time to engage in conversations with the villagers, delving into their stories and experiences. I was impressed by their wisdom and knowledge of nature and the environment, expressed in their way of life and customs. They lived in harmony with the rhythms of nature and respected it in a way I had not seen in my world. As I helped with some of their daily tasks, such as planting Luminous Sky Flowers or collecting herbs, the villagers gradually began to trust me more. They recognized my sincerity and respect for their culture and connection to nature. It was encouraging to see how our relationship developed, and I increasingly felt like part of the village community.

I was also fascinated by the various abilities and talents possessed by the villagers. Some were skilled craftsmen creating intricate handcrafts, while others used their magical abilities to protect and preserve the village. It was a world full of wonders and secrets that I discovered more of each day I spent in the village.

Particularly impressive was their deep connection to nature and their sustainable way of life. They carefully attended to their surroundings and lived in harmony with the rhythms of nature. It was a wonderful experience to share their wisdom and knowledge and to learn from them.

Upon entering the house I was invited into a few days ago, the priestess bid me farewell, and one of the mercenaries led me to the living room. I sat on a wooden chair and asked, "Um, why do I have to wait here?" The mercenary behind me whispered, "You're waiting for the appraiser. She checks whether the flames on your stone are real or not."

Then, an elderly woman entered the room. She instructed me to show her the stone in my pocket. I took out the stone and handed it to her. She received the stone and placed it on the table. With practiced fingers, she ran them over the glowing red flames on the stone and nodded in satisfaction. "Real," she said succinctly, handing me the stone back.

Curiously, I asked her, "What do the different colors of the flames on the stones actually mean?" The woman smiled and explained, "Red flames mean that the person should be killed immediately. Yellow flames signal that the person is under the protection of a land and should be left alone. Violet and purple flames mean that the person is okay."

I nodded in understanding and commented, "So, each color has its own meaning, and the stones are distributed by different mercenaries depending on where you live. But why are they only distributed to newcomers outside of big cities, and what happens in the cities?"

The woman nodded and explained, "Yes, exactly. The stones are mainly distributed to newcomers living outside of big cities. In the cities, however, there are different systems, but you'll find out for yourself."

The mercenaries eventually led me to a room with a simple bed, a table, and a chair. As I looked around, I asked the mercenary, "Can I work somewhere here? I currently don't have money to pay for the room."

The mercenary smiled kindly and said, "No problem. Starting tomorrow, you'll work here to cover the room costs until the evening of the next Four Moons."

I looked at him confused and asked, "Four Moons? What is that?" The mercenary shrugged and said, "The Four Moons are when the sky splits, and four different moons line up in succession. That's common knowledge."

I scratched my head and explained, "Um, in my homeland, there's only one moon. Various sects or countries worshipped it as a god, but I believe it has a different meaning here. Why is it so important?"

A man with a bull-like lower body opened the door, and as I turned around, my gaze fell on the lower part of his body, resembling that of a minotaur. Uncertainly, I stammered, "Um, minotaur?" The hybrid held his lance in front of my face and spoke in a language entirely unfamiliar to me. He approached, grabbing roughly at my arm. "Hey, not so tight!" I protested, but the minotaur snorted and pulled me with relentless strength into the heart of the village.

Most villagers stared at me unimpressed as the minotaur brought me to them. Another creature with a bull head and a human lower body emerged from the midst of the minotaurs and began speaking to the villagers. "Dear residents of this nameless village, we Minotaurs are here on behalf of our ruler to subjugate this land," it proclaimed with a threatening voice.

I clutched the stone in my hand tightly and cautiously infused some mana into it, creating a small knife. "Great, it works, and it's sharp," I thought contentedly. A minotaur approached me and began speaking incomprehensible words again. "Uh, I need someone to translate for the minotaur; I don't understand him," I said to the villagers. One of them tapped my shoulder and explained that the minotaur wanted me to stand up and accompany him forward. Gratefully, I tucked the knife into my jacket before standing up.

Facing the minotaur with the human lower body, he suddenly grabbed my throat. "Our first sacrifice," he said grimly. Quickly, I pulled the knife from my jacket and slashed the artery at the minotaur's wrist. He released me and held the bleeding wound. Tears in my eyes, I approached him. "Nobody grabs me by the throat!" I exclaimed. Another minotaur tried to hit me, but I skillfully dodged, and the attacker instead struck the already injured minotaur.

I approached the lifeless body of the minotaur and reached for the sword he carried. A dark smile spread across my lips as my hand firmly gripped the hilt. "Now there will be a massacre," I thought as I swung the surprisingly light weapon. The sword felt almost like a hand-sized stone.

With a powerful swing, I cleaved the oncoming minotaur's head. His monstrous roar ceased, and I stood there, the blood-stained sword in hand, ready for the next attack. However, the villagers, observing the spectacle, looked at me with cold eyes. Unimpressed by my heroic act.

I turned to the second minotaur and pierced his heart with the sword. Again, this cold silence from the villagers. Confused by their reaction, I took off my hood. An older man stepped forward and thanked me. "Thank you for helping us, but did you know that Minotaurs are pretty weak monsters?"

I stared at him incredulously and asked, "Then why didn't you defend yourselves?" The old man took the sword from my hand and calmly explained, "We didn't want a fight. Minotaurs are so weak that they don't even have real swords." With a quick motion, he swung the sword against the ground, and it broke. I examined the inside of the weapon, which looked hollow and meaningless.

"Dangerous creatures are much smarter," the man continued. "They would poison the water or simply slaughter us. Minotaurs just dragged us to the village center." A dark feeling spread within me as I realized that my supposed heroic deed might be nothing more than a diversion.

I was about to leave when a pungent smell reached my nose. "Yuck, their blood is everywhere, even in my shoes, and my hair is dyed red-yellow. How did that happen?" I exclaimed in disgust. A little boy tugged at my coat and offered to help: "If you'd like, we can wash your clothes. We also have a shower made of Zuriko wood as a thank you for helping us."

I leaned down to the boy and thanked him, "Thank you, I appreciate this offer." Grateful for the villagers' friendly gesture, I followed him to his house adorned with many flowers. At the entrance, I removed my shoes and jacket. The boy led me to a shower made of Zuriko wood. The dark wood perfectly matched the atmosphere of the house, and the light from a lightstone embedded in the wall gave the dark wood a gentle glow. He handed me a towel and a change of clothes before leaving the room.

After I undressed and placed my clothes in a woven basket, I noticed a lever in the corner of the room. Many small holes were visible on the ceiling. Curious, I approached the lever and pulled it. Suddenly, pleasantly warm water bubbled out of the holes in the ceiling. The warm shower was soothing and refreshing, leaving me feeling noticeably cleaner and more comfortable.

After changing into the white fabric pants, which were a bit loose but extremely comfortable, the brown shoes, slightly tight on the sides but still wearable, and the loose-fitting green shirt, I left the house and saw a fire in the center of the village. One of the villagers offered me to join them for a meal, and I graciously accepted. We sat around the fire together, exchanging stories, while the warmth of the fire and the company of the villagers created a pleasant atmosphere.