I dropped to the ground, my hands instinctively reaching out, grasping at nothing but air. My eyes shot open, but all I could see was a blinding whiteness, like I had been hit with a flashbang. I blinked rapidly, struggling to clear my vision. Slowly, sounds started to seep back in—a distant rustling of leaves, the faint chirping of birds, and the subtle, calming whisper of the wind. My ears were coming back online, but my sight remained dazed, everything still veiled in a hazy white mist.

I took a deep breath and tried to sit up, the sensation of fine, soft soil beneath my fingers grounding me. The ground felt uneven, dotted with patches of something rough—leaves, maybe bushes? The scent of earth filled my nostrils, rich and slightly damp, as if it had just rained. I stayed seated, taking stock of my body. I flexed my fingers, rolled my wrists, and wiggled my toes inside my shoes. Everything seemed to be in working order. I was not sure about whether I should stand yet. The void's voice still in my ears. It had described a land of suffering, something which resembled hell, but what I saw was something completely different.

The scene before me was far from the nightmare I had imagined. Overhead, a vast sky stretched endlessly, painted in a brilliant blue with soft, scattered clouds drifting lazily across. I was surrounded by towering trees, their branches swaying gently, casting speckled shadows on the forest floor. It was a forest—peaceful, serene, and almost welcoming in its quiet stillness.

I stood up slowly, assuming there was no immediate threat. The place around me didn't match the grim, hellish landscape I had envisioned when I first heard that voice in the void. I had been expecting something straight out of a nightmare, yet this forest seemed almost peaceful.

"Why does this place not match what I had in mind?" I wondered aloud, my voice barely above a whisper.

"It's because this isn't a main level," a voice buzzed in my head. It was the same voice that had welcomed me when I was teleported here, sudden and invasive, but strangely familiar.

I steadied myself, piecing together the situation. "You're some kind of messenger from the system, right?" I asked, recalling what I had read in countless stories—how reincarnated main characters were often guided by some system entity or messenger.

"Yes," the voice replied, with a tone that suggested it was almost amused by my understanding. "From what I've seen in your memories, you're quite familiar with this concept—messengers from the system who assist those who are reincarnated."

"Yeah, I've read about it," I admitted, feeling a mix of unease and curiosity. "Messengers who usually help only one main character. But I'm guessing you're different."

"Something like that," the voice responded. "I don't just help one; you're not the only one I guide during the beginning."

That much was clear. Unlike the usual fantasy stories where one hero gets pulled into another world, this was different—more chaotic, unpredictable. We were a group, tossed here together, and this world seemed to have rules all its own, far from the predictable patterns of the stories I once knew.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

I couldn't help but compare this to the countless comics I had read, where the main character always had to become the strongest to vanquish the evil threatening the world. I hoped it was like that—where there was a clear goal, a path to power, and the promise of becoming a hero who could change everything.

"Or is this going to be like one of those stories," I murmured, half to myself, "where I have to become the strongest to defeat some great evil?" I paused, letting the thought linger. "I hope it's the latter."

The voice in my head stayed silent for a moment, as if contemplating my words. I felt a strange mix of anticipation and dread, waiting for a response. The idea of becoming the strongest was thrilling, a clear mission I could chase, but there was no guarantee this world would play by those rules.

"You'll have to discover that for yourself," the voice finally replied, its tone inscrutable. "This world doesn't always follow the narratives you're used to."

I knew it. The feeling of standing on the moist soil. This wasn't the same feeling I get when I read the books on my bed. This was real. I could hear. I could see. I could decide. I am not following the story of any other protagonist. Here, in this reality, I... could be the main character. That's right. I felt a sense of relief and thrill. Here, I am the Protagonist.

"You have to become strong, just strong enough to reach the peak," the messenger's voice resonated in my mind, each word filled with purpose. "For that, you will have to-"

Before the voice could finish, I heard human voices in the distance. I paused, the sound pulling me from the messenger's unfinished statement. I moved cautiously towards the noise, careful to keep my footsteps light and my presence hidden. Reaching a ridge, I peered down, keeping myself low and out of sight.

In the clearing below, Rob was crouched over, striking stones together, trying to start a fire. Nearby, another boy was setting up branches in what looked like an attempt to build a shelter. Further off, four girls sat together on a rock, whispering among themselves, their expressions anxious as they comforted one of their own. It was clear they were unsettled, unhappy with being brought to this place.

I scanned the scene, not out of concern but out of practicality. It was good to know where everyone was, to see how they were managing. My eyes settled on Daniel, emerging from the bushes with an armful of sticks. For a brief moment, I considered approaching him—there were things I might say, things left unsaid between us. But now wasn't the time. I wasn't here to make amends or seek comfort. I had lived alone long enough to know that I didn't need anyone else to move forward.

With a quiet exhale, I pulled back from the ridge, deciding to keep my distance for now. I wasn't worried about making connections or finding a place among them. My focus was on survival and getting stronger, just like the messenger had said. The rest could wait. For now, I would watch and learn, making my own moves when the time was right.

"Can you hear me if I just think, or do I have to talk out loud?" I asked, testing the limits of our connection. The idea of having to speak everything aloud seemed like a hassle, especially if I needed to keep quiet.

"I can hear you clearly," the voice responded. "You don't have to speak."

"Perfect," I thought, relieved at the convenience. "Can you tell me more about the main level you mentioned and why we're here?"

"Absolutely, but for that, I need to explain everything from the beginning," the voice said, a hint of amusement coloring its tone. "It would be best if you got comfortable, maybe in a position you'd take to nap."

"Is this going to be long?" I asked, not in any particular rush but preferring to keep things concise.

"Yes, but I can stick to the essentials if that's what you want."

"Yeah, I'll take the main points," I agreed. I leaned back against a tree, pulling some leaves and branches over myself to stay hidden. It wasn't an urgent situation—I just wanted to hear what mattered for now.

"All right, I'm set. So, what do I need to do here, and what's my objective?"