Orion Blackwood never believed in destiny. A 22-year-old university graduate with a degree in engineering, he was more interested in video games and fantasy novels than real-life adventures. That all changed one fateful night when his world turned against him.

Orion had always been a bit of an outsider, but he never expected to be framed for a series of heinous crimes he didn't commit. His classmates were found brutally murdered, his friends and family slaughtered, and all evidence inexplicably pointed to him. The community, fueled by fear and anger, demanded justice.

On the night of his supposed execution, a storm raged outside, casting the town into darkness. Orion found himself alone in the town square, rain lashing against his skin like icy daggers. The thunder roared overhead, punctuating the chaos that mirrored the turmoil within him.

His former friends and neighbors surrounded him, their faces contorted with hatred and fury. The flickering torchlight illuminated their accusing eyes, turning them into grotesque shadows of the people he once knew.

"Monster! Murderer!" they screamed, their voices drowned out by the howling wind.

Orion tried to reason with them, to plead his innocence, but his words were lost in the tempest. Desperation clawed at his chest as he realized the truth: there was no reasoning with a mob driven by fear and ignorance.

Then, amidst the chaos, a bolt of lightning split the sky, illuminating the scene with an eerie, blinding light. For a brief moment, Orion saw their faces twisted in madness, their hands reaching for him like claws.

And then the darkness swallowed him whole.

The rain continued to fall long after they left him for dead, mixing with his blood as it pooled on the cobblestones. Orion lay there, battered and broken, the storm raging on as if to mirror the tempest within his soul.

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After that, he found himself in a place bathed in light and he questioned himself, What happened? Where am I? Then, an immensely powerful light manifested and spoke, I am God.

Orion inquired, So, does that mean I'm dead? God affirmed, Yes, indeed. I have witnessed all that has occurred, and you perished amidst the animosity of the people in that world. My desire is for you to continue living, so I shall send you to a realm where you are needed, not to one where you are shunned.

Orion sought clarification, What do you mean? God assured, You will comprehend upon awakening. Orion pleaded, Just a moment. He let out a scream, and a brilliant light appeared before fading away.

Upon waking, Orion found himself in the midst of the forest. The surroundings were filled with silence, and his senses were overwhelmed with confusion and concern. There were no signs of any familiar landmarks, and he had no idea how he ended up there.

Deciding to walk around in search of any signs of civilization or guidance, he was suddenly startled by a loud rumble. He turned around and saw a terrifying creature approaching him from the depths of the forest.

The creature was a large boar, with red eyes and three horns protruding from its head. Its eyes were filled with anger and hunger.

As the creature began to chase Orion, he ran without knowing where to go. He cried for help, but the forest remained silent except for the sound of his footsteps and the pounding of his heart.

In his sprint, Orion spotted a large stick lying on the ground. With no time to think, he quickly picked it up and held it in his hand.

As their paths crossed, Orion charged at the boar, his heart racing with fear and determination. Using his strength and the stick he held, he delivered a blow to the creature's neck.

The creature let out a sound of panic as it writhed in pain. With a second blow, it fell to the ground, lifeless.

Orion stood there, breathless and bewildered by his actions. He hadn't expected his first encounter in the new world  to be a battle for his own life.

But amidst his weakness, there was a newfound feeling that illuminated his heart - the hope of possessing strength and courage, ready to face any challenge that comes his way.

To be continued...