A week constant fighting was how Jonathan spent his entire week. He was proud of the growth he had made. He was confident his growth made him ready enough for the second phase of the Trial Zone.

Just as Jonathan was thinking about the Trial Zone he got a notification. The same old screen appeared in his face while also talking directly into his mind:

[Congradulations on passing the first test! You have met the requirements to move on to the second phase of the Trial Zone!]

[Mission: Use the 'Map' function and move within the parameters of the red dot.]

[Time Limit: 24 hours]

[Reward: Additional System Features]

[Failure: Death]

Jonathan knew this mission very well. He recalled how those who didn't make it to the "center" died. They didn't die in a normal way. They instead mutated and became monsters. Just thinking about it made him shiver.

But he also knew of a hidden feature of the mission. You would get better rewards for getting there faster than others.

Jonathan ran as fast as he could to his tent and gathered everything he needed in there.

He was only able to find a few items he needed. The rest of it went to waste as it would be simply left there. Once he was packed Jonathan put everything in his inventory and began towards the location he needed to reach.

He estimated it would take him about fifteen minutes to reach it.

----

On the way there Jonathan spotted several groups of people. He was able to escape interactions with all of them. But it was enough for him to tell that the state of the world was nothing good.

Everyone was treated the same nobody was exempt from the rules. If they did not make it to the red dot in time they would die and horrible death after becoming a mutated monster.

It was a fate nobody wanted even if they didn't know the full extent of it. Jonathan simply watched the people interactions. They were already changing.

Many attacks occurred and disregard for the laws was apparent everywhere. Seeing the state of the world made Jonathan wonder what would happen after his job was done.

How would things go back to what they knew as "normal" when he was done saving the world. But his thoughts were cut short because he was now within the parameters of the red dot.

[Mission Complete!]

[You are the third human to reach the area titled the "red dot". Please choose from the rewards listed.]

Stolen novel; please report.

[Reward 1: Skill - Fireball]

[Reward 2: Weapon - Basic Shortsword]

[Reward 3: Stats - Increase Agility by 5%]

All of the rewards were enticing to Jonathan. But there was one thing he needed the most, a weapon. With a bit of haste, Jonathan tapped on the second option presented to him.

The floating screen before his eyes began to emit a bright light as a 'ding' sounded in his head. Suddenly a package flew out of the screen and fell to the ground.

But Jonathan didn't have to do anything as the package opened itself and a weapon looked to be made out of iron flew out of the package. As quickly as it came it disappeared and a notification told Jonathan where it had gone.

[Item 'Basic Shortsword' has been added to your inventory.] 

After confirming the shortsword was in his inventory Jonathan took a glance at where he was. It was a region that lacked normality. It had already gone through a change. 

The once standing buildings were all either in a half standing state or completely fallen. But in its place were magnificent statues. Each was massive but also very dirty. One statue depicted a dragon that seemed to be going on a rampage.

He continued walking until he reached a stadium that looked like an arena. As he looked around two people were already seated within the stadium.

"These must be the ones who got here first." He thought.

One of them was a young woman. She looked to be around 15-17 years old. Nothing stood out about her. She coldly glanced over to Jonathan as he was looking at her.

The other was a tall man. He was probably around 6 feet tall. He was reading a book. He quickly glanced over at Jonathan before dismissing him entirely.

"Seems like they're not in the mood to talk..." The two to fist arrive were in no way ready to talk to Jonathan. They were probably wary of him, "Maybe even wary of each other!"

He looked around and chose a seat that was in between the tall man and the girl with an attitude. 

Jonathan pulled out a book he carried with him inside his inventory and began reading. The three sat there each engaging in their own activities. 

----

After about twenty minutes of silence, other people started to arrive one by one. Occasionally there would be large groups arriving. Soon there was a large number of people in the stadium. 

A full day passed just like that and exactly after twenty-four hours, a loud sound rang in everyone's head. 

The system was back:

[Twenty four hours has passed and you all have made it to the ''red dot' which can also be referred to as the "Zone of Time"!]

[As promised all of you will be rewarded for your efforts!]

[Reward: Access to the 'Shop' function! You may now sell your items among other players and buy items within the shop that you cannot get anywhere else! Your unused 'Stat Pearls' are the main currency.]

By now everyone knew about the system and the importance of Stat Pearls. The news shocked all of them. It would make surviving several times easier.

Jonathan, on the other hand, simply looked around at the reactions on peoples faces, "They are already adapting." 

Just like the first time around everyone learned to accept their situation and were already falling for its tricks and hailing the System as a God.

The system continued to speak in everyone's head and expressions of happiness were expressed in everyone's face. They were finally able to know what was going on. They had a chance to survive.

It gave them an assurance that they could get out of their current situation.

However, "All of that will be lost when they hear the next thing it says."

Letting out a sigh, Jonathan got up from his seat pulled out his new weapon and waited for the system to speak again. Those close to him looked to him strangely. But he paid no heed to their stares. 

Then the words that would ruin everyone's perception of the system were spoken:

[Mission: Kill 5 humans and escape the 'Zone of Time'!]