The sky cracked open, and a figure hurtled downward screaming.

“AHHHHHH! I’M GOING TO DIE!”

The wind howled as the person tumbled through the clouds, arms flailing helplessly. With a violent splash, they crashed into the calm surface of a sparkling lake below. Kssshhh! The water exploded outward in all directions, sending droplets shimmering into the air like a curtain of diamonds.

Taikutsuna broke the surface, coughing violently, water streaming down his face.

“Cough! Cough! What... just happened?! Cough!”

His clothes were drenched, his body aching from the sudden impact, but his mind was more stunned than anything. He stumbled to his feet, gasping for breath as he surveyed his surroundings.

He was no longer in the place he knew. No bustling city streets, no noise of urban life. Instead, he stood on the banks of a vast, pristine lake. The mountains surrounding him were a lush green, and above, the sky was impossibly bright, like an artist's canvas stretched endlessly overhead. A perfect world. But where was he?

“Where am I...?”

Then, a thought struck him. His heart raced as memories flooded back.

“Wait a second...! She said... a new world with god-like powers!”

A slow smile crept across his face as the realization hit him.

“I’ve got god powers now!”

“But... how do I use them?”

He raised his fists, trying to focus.

“Um... power on? No? Activate? No?”

“Man, I should’ve asked that god exactly how this works.”

And then, as if on cue, a voice echoed inside his mind—clear, cheerful, and confident.

“Hello, master! It’s me, Bloom! Your personal helper! I’m here to help you activate your god powers!”

Taikutsuna froze, looking around in confusion. “Uh, where are you?”

The voice laughed, “Silly, I’m in your mind! Think of me as your new conscience, guiding you through this new adventure master!”

Taikutsuna scratched his head, trying to make sense of the situation.

“Oh... okay. But just call me Tai, also how do I turn on these god powers?”

Bloom’s voice grew warmer, as if delighted to be of service.

“Easy! Just say ‘god powers, turn on,’ and you’ll be good to go!”

Taikutsuna hesitated, unsure, before repeating in a slow, deliberate tone, “God powers, turn on.”

He held his breath, waiting for something magical to happen. His eyes scanned the lake, the mountains, and the clear sky above. Yet... nothing.

“Hmm... nothing yet?”

Bloom's voice chirped, as if sensing his confusion.

“You’re definitely powered up! Your eyes are glowing blue!”

Taikutsuna gasped and looked down at his reflection in the shimmering lake, but he couldn’t quite make out his eyes.

“Wait, really?!”

Bloom giggled softly.

“Don’t worry, they’re glowing bright! But now that your god powers are active, you can start using them!”

Still skeptical, Taikutsuna stood straighter.

“Okay, but how do they work?.”

“You can make everything you can imagine in your head”

In his mind, Tai imagined his clothes drying, his clothes began to dry instantly. The dampness vanished as if the lake had never touched him.

“Whoa!”

Taikutsuna exclaimed, brushing a hand across his now-dry shirt.

“My clothes are dry now! That’s awesome!”

“See? You’ve got it!”

Bloom praised him.

“Now, try something a little bigger.”

Tai grinned, more eager now.

“Alright! A horse!”

With another thought, a majestic steed materialized before him. It stood tall and proud, its mane blowing in the breeze as if ready for an adventure.

The horse neighed loudly, its hooves stamping on the ground as if eager to race.

Bloom's voice was full of encouragement.

“Great job, Tai! You’re a natural! Now, try something even bigger!”

Tai, feeling confident.

“Alright! A boat!”

But nothing happened. Tai blinked and looked around, confused.

“Huh? Why didn’t it work?” he muttered.

Bloom’s voice was thoughtful now.

“I think that might be your limit for now. If you want to summon something bigger, you’ll need more magic stat points.”

“Stats?”

Tai repeated, his confusion deepening.

“What do you mean by ‘stats?’”

Bloom responded with a soft chuckle.

“Yep! You have stats here. To see them, just say ‘appear stats.’”

Tai followed the instructions.

“Appear stats.”

A glowing window materialized in the air before him. He studied it:

Stats:

* Strength: 50/1000

* IQ: 50/1000

* Magic: 50/1000

* Luck: 50/1000

* Speed: 50/1000

* Durability: 50/1000

Tai’s eyes widened.

“Wait, these are some mid stats, I thought I was gonna be more... impressive?”

Bloom’s voice was tinged with admiration.

“The average person’s stats are in the 20s, and soldiers max out around 40. You’re already twice as strong as an average person!”

“But...”

Tai hesitated, looking at the stats.

“I thought I was supposed to be a god. Shouldn’t I be able to do anything?”

Bloom let out a small sigh, her tone more serious now.

“Well, you’ve got the ‘god stat,’ which is a unique power to you. But it’s not unlimited. You’ll need to level up and improve your stats if you want to do bigger things.”

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Tai scratched his head, trying to wrap his mind around the concept.

“Okay, so my ‘god stat’ is unique to me... but it’s not as powerful as I thought. Is it?”

“Exactly,”

Bloom replied.

“But don’t worry! You’ll level up quickly. Killing monsters is a great way to improve your stats.”

Tai’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Monsters, huh? Where do I find them?”

Bloom paused for a moment, as if scanning something within her mind.

“There’s a town about 100 miles north. We can get there before sunset if we leave now. You can summon a horse to speed up the trip.”

Tai grinned, his determination surging.

“Alright, let’s go then! Time to level up and start slaying monsters!”

Tai mounted the horse he imagined earlier, adjusting himself in the saddle.

The wind whipped past him as he urged the horse forward, setting off toward the distant town. Bloom’s voice guided him from within.

Two Hours Later...

The sun began to dip below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the winding, dusty path. After hours of riding, Tai and Bloom finally reached the towering gates of the fabled town.

The gates were massive, made of dark iron, with intricate designs carved into the surface. The sight of the city took Tai’s breath away.

“Whoa, this place looks amazing!”

Bloom let out a small, exasperated sigh.

“It’s called Blood City...”

Tai stopped, his eyes wide.

“Wait, what? Blood City?! Why would it be called that?”

Bloom’s voice carried a hint of amusement.

“Not for the reasons you're thinking, Tai. The name comes from the bloodstone mines beneath the city, not from any gory massacre or bloodshed.”

Tai’s expression shifted as he processed the information.

“Ah, I see! That’s actually kind of cool. Anyway, I want to check out the city and get some killer gear!”

The massive gates creaked open as the guards checked the line of travelers. Tai walked forward with a bold swagger, his confidence growing by the second.

“Name’s Tai, and I’m here to buy some gear and slay monsters to level up!”

A burly guard glanced at his list, skepticism in his eyes. After a moment of checking, the guard nodded.

“Alright, kid, you're good to go.”

Tai’s heart skipped a beat as the gates opened wide. He couldn’t contain his excitement, leaping off his horse with a flourish.

“Alright, horse. Stay here, cool?”

He winked and patted the horse’s mane.

The horse whinnied, as if agreeing.

“Let’s go!”

The streets bustled with people, the market stalls lined with all kinds of exotic items.

As he walked, Tai spotted a weapon shop glowing with promise. He eagerly entered and was greeted by a deep, booming voice.

“Welcome, traveler! I’m Gondo, the finest blacksmith in all of Blood City!”

Tai looked around, impressed by the impressive array of weapons and armor hanging on the walls. His eyes immediately caught a set of armor and gear.

“Whoa, check this out, Bloom! This looks like some solid gear!”

“The gear is nice but we should find you a magic wand.”

Tai turned around with a determined glint in his eyes.

“Let’s get that wand, then!”

“I’m a blacksmith, but I’ve got some magic wands that might interest you.”

Tai leaned in, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Magic wands? Heck yes!”

Gondo smiled, revealing two beautifully crafted wands. One had a vibrant red crystal at its tip, and the other a swirling blue gem.

“These are my finest wands, my friend. One is a Fire Wand, the other a Water Wand. Choose wisely.”

Tai inspected both wands, his mind racing.

“The Fire Wand gives you +8 magic, fire magic, and a special skill called Moyasu—enemies hit by fire will burn for a period depending on your level.”

. “The Water Wand grants +7 magic, +2 luck, water magic, and a skill called Water Cage, which traps enemies in a sphere of water.”

Tai grinned.

“I’ll take both!”

Gondo blinked in disbelief.

“Are you sure? These wands are expensive...”

“I’m sure. I want both.”

Gondo shrugged, clearly impressed.

“Alright then, you’ve got a deal.”

Bloom in a worried tone.

“Hey tai we dont have any money, how are we supposed to pay?”

“Hehe, i saw the local currency and right before I entered I created some money in my pocket”

Tai reached into his pocket and took out a gold coin.

Tai handed over the coin with a casual grin.

“Keep the change.”

Gondo handed Tai the items, and Tai swiftly geared up with the chest plate, metal leg armor, and red cape. He looked like a true adventurer.

“Thanks, Gondo! You’re the best!”

“No problem, Tai. You can come here anytime to shop!.”

Tai, feeling pumped, turned to Bloom.

“Alright, now where are these monsters I have to slay?”

Bloom smirked, knowing Tai’s eagerness.

“Before you go on a monster-slaying spree, let’s get you a quest from the guild. It’ll give you more XP, and we’ll level up even faster.”

Tai’s eyes lit up.

“A quest? Where’s the guild?”

Bloom pointed.

“Just head 30 meters left, then turn right. You’ll see it.”

Tai grinned.

“Let’s do it, Bloom! I’m ready to rock and roll!”

Inside, Tai was greeted by a brown-haired woman.

“Hi there! Welcome to the guild. I'm Bailey, the guilds receptionist. How can I help you today?”

Tai puffed out his chest.

“I want an easy quest to get some XP!”

Bailey smirked and pointed toward a bulletin board.

“Over there. But first, you’ll need to join the Guild Association.”

Tai raised an eyebrow.

“I’m in! What do I get for joining?”

Bailey went behind the counter and came back with a copper necklace, the metal gleaming in the dim light.

“Here. This shows you're a bronze rank.”

She handed it to Tai.

“You start off a bronze and as you gain more experience, youll be able to rank up to the next rank

“Cool! I’ll climb the ranks all the way!”

Tai said, determination in his eyes.

Bailey laughed.

“We’ll see, newbie.”

Bailey Walked over to the board and picked a quest for him.

“Here’s a simple one for you. You’ll need to gather information on a gang called Pink Grave and deliver it to a wizard in the back of the city.”

Tai took the paper with a serious look on his face.

“Easy! Let’s go, Bloom!”

Later that Night

After claiming the quest, Tai wandered the city, taking in the sights. The streets bustled with activity, the air thick with the mingling scents of fresh bread, roasted meats, and fragrant herbs. Market stalls lined the cobblestone paths, their colorful awnings offering a brief respite from the midday sun. Vendors hawked their wares, calling out to passersby with cheerful urgency, while children darted in and out of the crowd, their laughter ringing through the air.

Tai paused for a moment, letting the vibrant energy of the city wash over him. He had traveled far to reach this place, and now that he was here, he could feel the weight of his purpose pressing against him. The quest he had taken on was not an ordinary one, and though the path ahead was uncertain, something in the air told him it was a journey he was meant to undertake.

His eyes scanned the surroundings as he made his way through the throng of people. There was a certain charm to this city, a mix of ancient stone buildings and newer, more vibrant constructions, all intertwined in a way that spoke of the passage of time. In the distance, the spires of a grand cathedral rose, its tall silhouette cutting through the blue sky like a beacon of faith and history. The distant hum of voices, the clink of coin, and the faint echoes of a street musician’s song created a symphony of life that Tai couldn’t help but lose himself in.

After a time, he found himself standing before a modest inn tucked away between two larger buildings. Its sign swayed gently in the breeze, an unassuming wooden board painted with the image of a simple, steaming mug. The inn's weathered exterior seemed to promise warmth and comfort within, a respite from the bustling city and the uncertainties of the road ahead.

Tai pushed open the door, the familiar scent of wood and roasting food welcoming him inside. The inn was quiet, with only a few patrons scattered about, nursing mugs of ale or whispering to one another in low voices. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls.

Inside, he was greeted by a cheerful worker.

“Hello there, traveler! Looking to rest for the night?”

Tai smiled, not even flinching at the price.

“Two silver coins. Here.”

He tossed the coins onto the counter.

The worker handed over the key, a warm smile on his face.

“Thank you! Enjoy your stay!”

Tai pushed the door to his room open, the faint creak of the hinges blending with the soft crackling of the fire downstairs. The space was small but comforting, a far cry from the cold, open roads he had been traveling. His eyes swept over the room: the simple wooden furnishings, the unadorned stone walls, and the small window that let in just a sliver of the city's hustle below. A faint scent of aged wood and lavender lingered in the air, perhaps from the dried herbs hanging by the window.

With a quiet sigh, he closed the door behind him and dropped his new gear onto the floor with a soft thud. The weight of the journey seemed to lift just slightly as he unbuckled himself, His hands moved automatically, setting the wand down with a sense of relief—his arms had grown weary from the long hours of travel.

Tai took a moment to glance around again. The room felt like a sanctuary, even if it was temporary. A simple bed with a thick quilt, a small wooden desk pushed against the wall, and a faded rug beneath his feet. Nothing luxurious, but everything he needed. The softness of the bed, untouched since its last guest had departed, called to him.

He walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed, feeling the warmth seep into the mattress beneath him.Without a second thought, Tai leaned back onto the bed, stretching out fully. The cool linen sheets brushed against his skin, a welcome contrast to the heat of the day. His body sank into the softness of the mattress, his back finally releasing the tension that had been building for hours. He closed his eyes, feeling the weight of his body relax against the bed, his mind starting to quiet.

For a few moments, he simply let himself rest, the quiet hum of the inn below like a distant lullaby. His shoes, caked with dust and dirt from the road, lay discarded at the foot of the bed. His cloak was draped across the back of a nearby chair. The sense of solitude enveloped him, but there was a comfort in it—here, in this small room, Tai could let go, if only for a brief while, of the pressures that had been mounting on him since he first took the quest.

Kai then called out to bloom.

“Bloom, wake me up early tomorrow! I want to finish this quest ASAP.”

Bloom’s voice echoed in his head.

“Got it. Sleep well, Tai.”

closing his eyes, he drifted into sleep. His mind flashed with an image: A mother, holding a baby with tears in her eyes, smiling lovingly.

“Omg, look at him. He’s so cute. I’m so glad we gave birth to such a beautiful baby...”

Tai’s heart raced for a moment, but then the dream faded.

Tomorrow, he would face whatever came his way.