Following the announcement from the system, Lleyn found himself standing alone in this place that defied his understanding—an ethereal space where his senses felt numbed. It was serene yet perplexing, and as he glanced around, Lleyn couldn't help but wonder what this place was. Even in his past life, no one had figured it out, It was too foreign compared to the stages of the tutorial and the world of Eldoria. For most back then, it was akin to waiting room, suspended in time.

Soon enough, a new message appeared before him. It was a simple system notification, and it read:

[You can now view your Health and Mana gauges.]

As the message dissipated, Lleyn instinctively focused his attention on the new information available to him, calling up his status screen.

Name: Lleyn

Age: 26

Level: 1

Title: Early Awakening Lv1

Health: 360/360

Mana: 330/330

Exp: 0/30

[Attributes:]

* Strength: 30 +3

* Stamina: 30

* Health: 30

* Agility: 30 +5

* Magic Power: 30

* Dexterity: 20

* Perception: 18

* Luck: 3

[Innate Skills:]

* Odin's Judgement (Level 1)

* Lightning Infusion (Level 2) - Channels the potent power of Odin's lightning, allowing its user to infuse objects or even themselves with electrifying energy.

* Clarity (Passive) - Increases the acquisition rate of skill experience by 20%.

* Sword Mastery (Level 1) - Enhances swordsmanship skills, improving precision, fluidity, and reaction time in combat. Allows for advanced techniques and mental clarity. Damage with sword weapons increased by 20%

* Ley Line Channeling (Passive) (Level 2) - Constantly channels the power coursing through Ley Lines into the body to increase the power of innate skills by 15% (skills from equipment are not included).

* Magic Circuit Level 1 (Passive) (Level 1): Increased Mana Flow: +10% mana pool. Enhanced Spell Precision: -15% spell failure. Magic Affinity: +10% magical damage. Magic Resistance: -10% magical damage received.

[Equipment Skills:]

Shadow Veil: Activate to become invisible for up to 5 minutes. Cooldown: 20 minutes. Invisibility ends abruptly if the user attacks an enemy.

Windblast: Allows the user to unleash a focused burst of air with a quick slash of the dagger.

[Quests:]

1. The Strongest (1)

Objective: Come out as the highest ranking challenger in the first phase of the tutorial.

Rewards: 400 Gold, 20 stat points, and the Skill "Eyes of the Strongest. Lv1"

[Inventory:]

Silver Reward Box

Gold: 600

*Early Awakening Lv1: The user will receive 5 more stat points from every level up.

Satisfied with what he saw, he closed the screen, preparing himself for whatever awaited him in this enigmatic void.

“Helloooo.~”

As if in response to his readiness, a voice pierced the silence, drawing his attention. It was a soft and melodic voice, one that invoked both curiosity and caution. Lleyn's gaze focused on the source of the sound..

Before him hovered a small, ethereal creature, resembling a fairy with its delicate wings and luminous aura. The voice sounded different from the system, a reminder that there were forces at play in the world of Eldoria, some benevolent, others far less so. This voice belonged to one of the former. Its appearance was almost deceivingly cute, belying the power it held over the Awakened.

"Welcome Lleyn!" it chimed, "I am Auralis."

Lleyn's recognized the name. Auralis—the small, enigmatic fairy who had played a pivotal role in his past life, orchestrating quests with unfathomable cruelty despite its cute appearance. Many had met their demise due to its words.

Stolen novel; please report.

Feigning ignorance, Lleyn raised an eyebrow. "Auralis? Who are you? What's happening?"

Auralis, its translucent wings fluttering gently, floated closer to Lleyn. "I am here as your guide, Lleyn. You, along with the others chosen for this tutorial, are now Awakened. You possess the power to transcend humanity."

Lleyn blinked, trying to grasp the magnitude of Auralis' words. "Awakened? Transcend humanity?"

Auralis nodded with an air of excitement. "Indeed, Lleyn. You have been selected to embark on a journey—a journey that will test your limits and reshape your existence. I am here to guide you, to help you survive through the different phases of the tutorial until you reach Eldoria. Strength and fortune await you there."

Lleyn, maintaining his façade of curiosity, decided to probe further. "Eldoria? What is it? Why am I here?"

Auralis, with a mischievous twinkle in its eyes, hovered closer. "Ah, Lleyn, you will discover the answers in due time. Eldoria is a realm beyond imagination, a place where your true potential will be realized. But for now, you must trust in me and the path that lies ahead."

Despite his feigned interest, Lleyn couldn't shake the unease that clung to him. The memory of his past encounters with Auralis cast a shadow over their conversation. "Tell me more," he urged, trying to gather as much information as he could.

Auralis, its delicate form radiating an otherworldly glow, replied, "Patience, dear Lleyn. All will be revealed when the time is right. For now, let us take the next step."

With those cryptic words, Auralis turned away from Lleyn, its wings shimmering as it approached a shimmering gate. The gateway hummed with a magical energy that was both inviting and foreboding.

Lleyn clenched his fist and focused his eyes before he followed Auralis through the gate, disappearing into the unknown.

The ethereal space remained empty, devoid of any presence save for the fading echoes of their conversation. Auralis had fulfilled its role as a guide, setting Lleyn on a path that would lead him through the myriad trials of the tutorial.

_____________________________

Lleyn found himself once again in the familiar space of Phase One. The surroundings resembled the ruins of a medieval village, casting an eerie atmosphere over the gathered crowd of people. About a hundred individuals stood there, their expressions a mix of curiosity, fear, and uncertainty.

As he scanned the faces, a familiar voice called out his name. It was Elena, his cousin, who rushed over to him with a blend of joy and anxiety in her eyes. Her initial happiness was quickly tempered by the realization of the unknown and potentially perilous situation they all found themselves in. Lleyn offered her a comforting smile and patted her head gently.

"It's good to see a familiar face," Elena began before her words faltered. "But, Lleyn, this... this isn't something to be happy about, is it?"

Lleyn nodded, understanding the gravity of their situation. "You're right, Elena. We're in uncharted territory here, and we need to watch out for each other. We're family, after all."

Their conversation was interrupted as more people began to arrive, each one with their own mix of emotions painted across their faces. Anxiety hung in the air, and the uncertainty of their circumstances loomed large.

Suddenly, a clear and gleeful voice resonated through the air, causing everyone to turn their attention towards the source. Auralis appeared before them, his presence both captivating and unsettling.

"How delightful!" Auralis exclaimed, his tone filled with a twisted delight. "I see you've made some new friends!"

Silence fell and Auralis spoke to the gathered crowd in a cheerful, almost sing-song manner. "Ladies and gentlemen, the 250 chosen ones of Phase One have now assembled! It's time for the fun to begin!"

Panic rippled through the crowd, and questions were hurled at Auralis from all directions. What would happen next? What were they supposed to do?

Auralis addressed the crowd once more, his tone more serious this time. "Listen carefully, my dear Awakened. In Phase One, you will face a variety of challenges, including monsters that will test your mettle. But remember, I'm here to assist you. Now, let's not waste any more time. The monsters will be here soon."

[New Quest Received: Survive. Duration: 24 Hours.]

Panic and fear surged once more among the crowd. People turned to Auralis, demanding answers. What did this quest mean? What were they supposed to do?

A distraught man who had earlier expressed his despair could bear it no longer. He fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face, and he clutched his head in anguish.

"We're all going to die!" he repeated, his voice trembling.

Auralis, however, floated over to him, his demeanor shifting back to a feigned reassurance. He patted the man's head and spoke in soothing tones.

"Now, my friend, let's not jump to conclusions," Auralis cooed. "You see, I'm here to guide you all. This quest is just the beginning, and together, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way." Lleyn watched the scene unfold with a sense of unease. Auralis was a creature of chaos and manipulation, and his promises were never to be trusted fully.

As he spoke, hundreds of weapons materialized from thin air, dropping to the ground around the assembled group. Swords, spears, bows, and various other weapons lay at their feet, waiting to be claimed.

Auralis gestured towards the weapons with a mischievous smile. "Pick whatever you like, my brave Awakened. These will be yours as you embark on your journey in Phase One. Good luck, and may the quest begin!"

The crowd hesitated for a moment, still reeling from the shock of their sudden predicament. But as the realization that they had no other choice settled in, people began to pick up weapons and equip themselves. Some chose swords, others bows, and a few opted for staves or spears. Lleyn found a longsword that felt comfortable in his grip and slung it over his shoulder.

As the last person equipped themselves, a distant bell tolled, its chime echoing through the village ruins. Auralis clapped his tiny hands together in delight, his wings fluttering with excitement.

"Ah, there it is! The bell that signals the beginning of Phase One," Auralis exclaimed. "How wonderful! Now, my dear Awakened, your first quest awaits."

A system message appeared before everyone, its letters shimmering in golden light.

[Time Left: 23:59]

As if on cue, a low rumble echoed through the village ruins, and the ground beneath their feet trembled ever so slightly. The crowd tightened their grips on their weapons, preparing for what lay ahead.

Auralis grinned, his tiny form radiating an eerie enthusiasm. "Let the quest begin!"