The world ended in the blink of an eye.

One moment, I was walking down a crowded street, juggling a bag of groceries and the frustration of another dead-end day. The next, the sky exploded in a flash of light so blinding it felt like the sun had descended onto Earth.

I froze. Everyone did.

The light wasn’t warm or gentle—it was raw, searing, and wrong. A low hum followed, vibrating deep in my chest. Then the ground trembled. The towering buildings around me groaned and cracked, fractures spreading through steel and glass like creeping veins.

Before I could even think about running, a voice spoke. It wasn’t a shout, nor a whisper. It was cold, detached, and inside my head.

[Mira]: Global extinction imminent. Emergency transmigration protocol initiated.

“What—” was all I managed before the world dissolved.

*****

AWAKENING IN THE UNKNOWN

When I opened my eyes, I wasn’t in the city anymore. I wasn’t anywhere familiar. I lay on cold, damp ground, staring up at a dense canopy of trees. The air was thick and wet, carrying the sharp scent of moss and decay. My skin was slick with moisture, and the distant calls of unfamiliar creatures echoed around me.

I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding. The ground beneath me was soft, uneven. “Where… where am I?” My voice sounded small, almost swallowed by the oppressive quiet.

[Mira]: You have been transmigrated to the Immortal Cultivation Realm. Immediate adaptation is required.

“What? What are you talking about?” I turned in circles, searching for the source of the voice. My surroundings were alien—dark, twisted trees stretching toward a pale, washed-out sky. Nothing here felt real.

[Mira]: I am Mira, a sentient system designed to guide and empower you. Earth has been destroyed. You have been chosen to survive and ascend.

Her words hit me like a blow. “Destroyed?” I repeated, my throat tightening. “No… that can’t be right. There were billions of people—”

[Mira]: Human civilization has been eradicated. The extinction was instantaneous.

The weight of her statement crushed the air from my lungs. My mind raced, latching onto a single word. “Why… why me?”

[Mira]: You were chosen for compatibility. Details are irrelevant at this stage. Survival is now your priority.

*****

A PREDATORY WELCOME

Before I could ask anything more, a low growl rolled through the shadows behind me. My blood turned to ice as I froze, the sound primal and sharp, vibrating with menace.

Slowly, I turned toward the source of the noise.

A creature emerged from the underbrush, its form both graceful and terrifying. It was sleek and muscular, its dark fur rippling like liquid shadow as it moved. Emerald-green eyes glowed in the dim light, locked onto me with predatory intent. Its claws flexed, digging into the soft earth.

“What the hell is that?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

[Mira]: A Shadowfang Lynx. A low-tier spirit beast native to this region. Its strength exceeds that of an ordinary human. Caution is advised.

My stomach dropped. “What am I supposed to do?!” I hissed, taking a shaky step back.

[Mira]: Do not hesitate. It will not.

The lynx crouched low, its muscles coiling like springs. Then it lunged.

*****

DESPERATE SURVIVAL

The beast closed the distance in a flash, its claws slashing through the air. I threw myself to the side, narrowly avoiding its strike. My heart hammered in my chest as I scrambled to grab a fallen branch, the closest thing to a weapon I could find.

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The lynx rounded on me, its emerald eyes blazing. It stalked forward with deliberate, fluid movements, its growl deepening into a snarl.

I gripped the branch tightly, sweat slicking my palms. “Any more advice, Mira?” I asked, my voice trembling.

[Mira]: Its movements indicate a pattern. Use its momentum against it.

“Great,” I muttered. “Just great.”

The lynx lunged again, faster this time. I swung the branch wildly, the wood cracking uselessly against its thick hide. The force of the impact sent a jolt up my arms, nearly making me lose my grip.

The beast darted to the side, circling me like a shadow. My breaths came in ragged gasps as I tried to track its movements, but it was too fast. It struck again, claws raking across my shoulder. Pain exploded through me, hot and searing. Blood soaked my torn shirt.

The lynx growled, circling for another attack. I stumbled backward, my vision blurring with panic.

[Mira]: Focus. Desperation will only hasten your defeat.

I clenched my teeth, forcing myself to steady my breathing. The next time the lynx lunged, I sidestepped, swinging the branch upward with all my strength. The makeshift weapon connected with the side of its head, the crack of impact echoing through the trees.

The lynx stumbled, shaking its head. Its growl turned to a pained whine, but it wasn’t finished. It charged again, slower this time. I raised the branch like a spear and drove it into the creature’s side. The sharp end pierced its hide, and the lynx let out a guttural cry.

I yanked the branch free and struck again, aiming for its exposed neck. This time, the beast collapsed with a final gasp, its body twitching once before going still.

Panting and trembling, I dropped the branch and fell to my knees. My shoulder throbbed, blood dripping steadily onto the ground. But I was alive.

*****

A NEW REALITY

[Mira]: Commendable. You have survived your first encounter.

I stared at the lifeless body of the creature, my mind struggling to process what had just happened. “What… what was that thing?” I asked, my voice hoarse. “And where am I?”

[Mira]: The Shadowfang Lynx is a spirit beast, a creature imbued with natural Chi. This is the Immortal Cultivation Realm, a world governed by power and survival. You must learn to cultivate, or you will not last here.

Her words sent a chill down my spine. “Cultivate? What does that even mean?”

[Mira]: Cultivation is the process of harnessing and refining Chi—spiritual energy that flows through all living things. Your body contains a spirit well, a reservoir where Chi gathers. By meditating and training, you can expand and strengthen your spirit well, enhancing your physical and spiritual abilities.

I blinked, trying to process the explanation. “So… I just sit and meditate?”

[Mira]: Meditation is the foundation, but true cultivation requires resources. The beast you’ve defeated is one such resource.

I looked at the lynx again, unease twisting in my stomach. “You mean this thing?”

[Mira]: Correct. The flesh, bones, and blood of spirit beasts are rich with energy. Consuming the meat will replenish your spirit well, while the bones and other parts can be sold or crafted into tools. Nothing should be wasted.

The thought made my stomach churn, but Mira’s words made sense. I couldn’t afford to be squeamish—not here.

*****

BEGINNING THE PATH

“How do I… start?” I asked hesitantly.

[Mira]: First, harvest what you can from the beast. Then, I will guide you through the process of replenishing your spirit well.

I swallowed hard, steeling myself. Using the sharp edge of a broken rock, I began the grisly task of skinning the lynx. Its fur was surprisingly tough, but Mira’s instructions were precise, guiding my every move. The meat smelled gamey, but it looked edible enough. I carved off as much as I could, wrapping it in large leaves I found nearby.

The blood was another matter. Mira directed me to collect it in hollowed-out tree bark, explaining its uses in alchemy or trade. I worked methodically, though my hands shook with each motion.

When I was finished, I sat beside the carcass, exhausted and nauseous. “Now what?”

[Mira]: Now, you replenish your spirit well. Begin by sitting cross-legged and focusing on your breathing. Draw the energy from the meat into your core.

I stared at the raw meat in my hand, the thought of eating it making me gag. “Wouldn’t it be better if I cooked it first?”

[Mira]: Cooking the meat will not reduce its energy, and it may make it easier for you to consume. However, speed is essential. Your spirit well is depleted, and the energy must be replenished soon.

I nodded, setting aside the raw meat and gathering dry branches to make a fire. As the flames crackled to life, I roasted a small piece of the lynx’s meat, watching as the fat sizzled and dripped onto the embers. When it was done, I hesitantly bit into it. The flavor was richer than I expected, its warmth spreading through me as I chewed.

Closing my eyes, I followed Mira’s instructions, focusing on the sensation and imagining the energy flowing into me.

[Mira]: Good. Channel the energy into your core, letting it pool within your spirit well.

As I meditated, a faint warmth began to build in my chest, spreading outward like a gentle tide. It was subtle, but I could feel it—a tiny spark of something greater.

Opening my eyes, I looked at the forest around me. It still felt alien and dangerous, but for the first time, I felt a flicker of hope.

“Mira,” I asked, my voice steady despite the unease still gnawing at me, “if this is what it takes to survive, then how far will I have to go to truly grow stronger?”