The sun beat down with an intensity that made Zaro squint like a gamer touching grass for the first time in weeks. After perpetual darkness of the caves, the colors of the forest hit his retinas like someone had cranked the saturation settings to maximum. The scent of pine needles and damp earth filled his nostrils, while birdsong and rustling leaves created an ambient soundtrack that would make an RPG composer jealous

System notification. Surface world accessed.

Environmental adaptation required.

Recommendation. Stop staring at the sun.

I would rate this graphics engine a solid 12 out of 10, Zaro muttered, pushing aside a branch that seemed determined to recreate a Dark Souls trap.

System, he asked, mind telling me where I am? Preferably with a convenient waypoint marker?

Analyzing surroundings...

Current location. Unmapped territory.

Probability of hostile encounters. High.

Map function locked.

Suggested action. Try not to die.

Great. Just what he needed. An open world game with no map markers. He fumbled in his pocket, pulling out one of the stolen Aetherium orbs. Its blue light pulsed gently, like a battery indicator for magic.

System, can you access any navigation data if I use this?

Analyzing request.

Aetherium integration required.

System functionality limited.

Current status. 15% operational.

Zaro held the orb in his palm, remembering how the first one had been absorbed. He focused his intent, imagining the energy flowing into him. The orb dissolved into fine blue dust, sending a jolt through his system like mainlining an energy drink.

Aetherium integration successful.

System core stability increased.

Limited mapping function available.

Warning. Still mostly lost.

A basic holographic map materialized, showing local terrain in the kind of low-res graphics that would make a PS1 proud. According to the display, he was on the edge of a vast forest, with what looked like civilization in the distance.

As he studied the map, his Void Sense tingled. A low growl rumbled through the trees. Through his Void Sense, he caught movement - a gray wolf, lean and hungry, its yellow eyes locked onto him with predatory intent.

Combat tutorial initiated.

Enemy detected.

Threat level. Moderate.

Recommended action. Don't die.

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

The wolf slunk from the shadows, muscles rippling beneath its gray coat.

New Quest. Defeat Gray Wolf. Reward, instant level up.

Well, it's real but feels like a game, and I'm a gamer. They must have forgotten I've spent 8 hours grinding levels before just to be oh pee Aye Eff.

Zaro channeled void energy into his palm, feeling the familiar tingle of a Void Bolt forming. The wolf lunged, all teeth and murderous intent. He launched the bolt, but his aim was off - rookie mistake. The bolt struck the ground near the wolf, exploding dirt and stone into the air. The debris caught the wolf mid-lunge, staggering it.

Not the intended effect, but he would take it. Shadow Step activated, minus 20 mana. Zaro blinked behind the beast, the teleport feeling smoother than any game mechanic he had experienced. The wolf spun, clearly not expecting its prey to have mobility options.

Another Void Bolt, minus 20 mana. This time his aim was true, the bolt striking the wolf's flank. The beast yelped, its movements becoming erratic from the impact.

The wolf recovered faster than expected, lunging with desperate hunger. Claws raked the air where Zaro had been standing a moment ago. His enhanced agility - all 6 points of it - let him roll clear, but it was close enough to feel the wind from the attack.

One more Void Bolt, triple-charged like his attack in the cave. Minus 60 mana. The enhanced bolt struck true, and the wolf collapsed, its form going still.

Achievement unlocked. First Blood. Reward 5 stat points. Deciding to fight is a hard choice. You have made a choice that has rewarded you.

Level Up!

Level 2 achieved.

10 stat points awarded.

5 skill points awarded.

7 stat points banked.

Basic combat proficiency unlocked.

Zaro quickly distributed his stat points:

3 to Strength,12.

1 to Agility, 6.

2 to Intelligence,12.

2 to Vitality,12.

2 to Stamina,12.

Zaro spent 10 of his 17 stat points. He wanted to save some for later just in case.

The changes were immediate and intense. Strength flooded his muscles, intelligence sharpened his senses, and his overall vitality surged. It felt less like a game powerup and more like his entire being was evolving.

Looking at his skill options, Void Shield seemed like a solid choice for survival. 3 skill points well spent. A quick look at the wolf's carcass triggered another skill option.

Skill available. Field Dressing. 1 skill point

Previous knowledge detected.

Basic animal processing possible.

Warning. Tools required for proper utilization.

He spent the point anyway. Better to have the skill ready when he finally got proper tools. One skill point remained banked, along with the satisfaction of a successful first combat.

7 stat points and 1 skill point banked.

The dirt path gave Zaro the perfect opportunity to test his new Void Shield. He focused on the ability, reaching out with his senses. The shadows around him seemed to ripple, responding to his call. Shards of darkness peeled away from the trees and undergrowth, drawn to him like metal shavings to a magnet. The fragments swirled before settling against his skin, forming a second layer that hummed with void energy.

He rapped his knuckles against his forearm, impressed by the solid feel of the shadow armor. Twenty mana seemed a fair cost for what felt like wearing the void itself. He practiced forming and dismissing the shield as he walked, watching the shadow shards scatter and reform. Each activation felt more natural than the last.

As he made his way toward the distant city, he came across a small family gathering firewood by the road. Two children helped their mother collect branches, their thin frames and patched clothing telling a story of hard times.

The woman tensed at his approach, stepping in front of her children. Zaro recognized that look - the same one he had seen too often his entire life, you can't be half Rican and half Black and have never watched someone lock their car doors or cross the street when you're walking toward them. Especially not when you're living in a mining town. I know the look of someone who has learned to expect the worst from strangers.

Without hesitation, he offered them the wolf carcass. The children's eyes lit up at the prospect of real meat, while their mother's grateful tears said more than words could.

System notification. Achievement unlocked. Heart of Gold

First selfless act completed

Reward. 2 stat points. 9 stat points banked.

Hidden bonus. Positive reputation with locals.

Zaro banked the new stat points. The family's genuine thanks meant more than any gold he might have gotten in the market. Besides, now that he had the Field Dressing skill, he could always hunt again once he had proper tools.

The city's spires rose ahead, promising civilization and hopefully some answers about this new world. His first real combat was behind him, his skills were growing, and he had managed to help someone along the way. Not bad for his first hour above ground.

Tutorial stage complete, if you could call it that.

All I want to do is g

et stronger, and remember what the system told me.

Good luck. Try not to die.