Day 1 After Transmigration into Grim Dark Online

Xian woke up to a harsh reality. He found himself in a virtual world he knew all too well from his previous experience with the game Grim Dark Online. His initial panic was a mix of confusion and fear as he discovered the log-out button was missing. The sensation of being trapped was unsettling, an eerie echo of a similar situation he had faced before. This unexpected turn of events was indeed a major shock, and it seemed as though he was condemned to this world indefinitely, an unsettling deja vu that stirred his anxiety.

As he tried to come to grips with his new reality, he started considering the possibility that this might not be a mere simulation after all. Perhaps this world was as real as Earth, or at least had its own form of reality that was not bound by the usual rules he was accustomed to. His fears were confirmed as his suspicions about the nature of this world began to align with his experiences.

Xian realized that he had traveled back in time to a critical moment in the game’s storyline—the eve of the World Soul's barrier collapse. The game’s lore dictated that this catastrophic event would occur in just one year. The urgency of the situation intensified his anxiety.

He was currently residing in a refugee camp, taking shelter in a tent alongside his loyal butler, Merlin. The camp was a haven after the devastation they had witnessed. They had been forced to flee from their Citadel when it was assaulted by a demon lord. The siege had resulted in widespread destruction, with the enemy forces mercilessly slaying the defenders and setting the city ablaze. The demon lord's victory had set a grim precedent, and it was clear that the remaining Citadels in the South were now in imminent danger.

Previously, Xian and Merlin had sought refuge in an inn within the Citadel of Light, but their stay there was cut short by an attack from Orcs. The Orcs had overrun their Fief, forcing them to abandon their land. Xian’s parents were now missing, and his grandfather, who had embarked on an adventure years ago, had yet to return. The grand library of their family, with its invaluable books and untapped secrets, remained a distant asset that Xian had yet to explore fully.

In his previous playthrough, Xian had chosen the Warrior class. He had risen to become the god of Slaughter in that iteration, managing his own realm and fending off numerous threats. His most formidable opponent had been the "God of Death—Dread," the game’s ultimate villain. Defeating this antagonist had been a grueling challenge, given his numerous Shadow Lords, Summons, and legions of Skeletons and Ghosts. Even the most powerful mages struggled to deal with the relentless onslaught. After a month of relentless combat, Xian had finally managed to defeat the God of Death, but the victory was bittersweet. The ongoing threats of the demon god’s return and the Cult of the Black Snake loomed on the horizon, with even greater challenges yet to come.

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Desperate to understand his current situation, Xian called up his status screen.

"Status!"

Name: Xian

Race: Wisely/Unknown

Class: N/A

Level: 1

Strength: 3

Dexterity: 4

Vitality: 5

Intelligence: 10

Health: 100

Mana: 100

Talent: Memories of a Warrior, Fast Learner (Wisely)

"Wisely, huh," Xian muttered to himself, reflecting on the implications. According to his knowledge, the Arcadian continent was home to numerous races, and the Wisely were known for their exceptional learning abilities. They were fast learners and adaptable, but their main drawback was their low health and vitality. Their constitution was weak, making them ill-suited for roles requiring substantial physical endurance, such as tanks or warriors. They excelled in agility and magic but struggled with raw power and health points.

"How can I become a warrior with this build?" Xian pondered, realizing the contradiction between his race's attributes and his previous experience. With his current constitution, he would likely end up as a glass cannon—powerful but extremely vulnerable. He needed to focus on increasing his dexterity and agility to compensate for his low health.

"Maybe relying on speed for both evasion and attack is the way to go," he concluded. Despite the challenges posed by his race’s weaknesses, he recognized that focusing on agility could offer a viable strategy. However, he was also aware that late-game scenarios could render him extremely vulnerable to a single hit.

Xian’s thoughts were interrupted when Merlin awoke and noticed the serious expression on his face. Concern etched into his features, Merlin inquired, "Young master, what is the problem?"

"Nothing much, just a bit hungry," Xian replied, attempting to mask his worries.

"Let’s head to the goods vendor and get you some bread," Merlin suggested.

"Sounds good," Xian agreed. As they left the tent, Merlin handed Xian a letter. "By the way, your younger brother Renji is a genius in Magic. He has mastered all types of magic and is quite versatile."

Xian felt a surge of relief upon hearing this. It was reassuring to know that his brother was doing well. Nevertheless, Xian needed to focus on his immediate concerns. To face the calamities ahead, securing a class and obtaining proper equipment were paramount. A weapon and some basic armor were essential, even if they were modest.

As they walked through the camp, Xian observed the scene around him. Children played in the makeshift areas, while guards stood vigilant. Tents were set up haphazardly, with some of the wounded receiving first aid in nearby tents. The sight of injured individuals made Xian uneasy; the reality of pain and injury was something he would have to face in this world.

Determined to prepare himself for the challenges ahead, Xian knew he had to act quickly. The refugee camp was safe for now, but the threat of demon lords and other dangers was ever-present. With Merlin by his side, he set out to secure the necessary resources and make strategic decisions to ensure his survival and success in this new reality.